Mark 6:7–13 (ESV) —
7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
NOTE: In some ways, this is a little like a parable. Rather than getting wrapped around the axle on the specific things one could and couldn't take, it is more productive to consider the reasoning. Clearly Jesus' training of his disciples and this exercise were intended to show the disciples their need for dependence upon God. They were going out with a message of repentance and healing. Jesus wanted them to depend upon God for their provision. They didn't need a lot of planning. They needed to trust in God. There is still a need for trust today, although I don't think these are commands for how to send missionaries out. And trust does not have to be limited to food, clothing, and shelter. Faith is learning to trust God, that he cares about me, that understands my situation, and that he is bringing about what is best for my life. I need to trust him despite circumstances that suggest otherwise.
PONDER:
- Do I let circumstances steal my joy and my faith?
- I'm not supposed to be stoic, life hurts, but I do need to keep my trust in God. How am I doing?
PRAYER: Father, I feel as if a lot is happening these days. There is a hecticness to life. Help me to step back, be calm, and trust your control.
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