Packing Light

And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send themforth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; Andcommanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, savea staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But beshod with sandals; and not put on two coats.- Mark 6:7-9

Inthis passage, Jesus is sending out His disciples to do great works inHis name. The passage goes on to tell us how the disciples, throughthe power of Christ, healed the sick and cast out demons. I imagine,however, that when they were given their instructions, they were alittle perplexed. I know I would be.

Basically,Jesus tells them to set forth on a journey without taking anyprovisions. No food. No money. No extra clothing. Nothing but a staff(presumably for protection from wild animals). That's it! Now when wego on a trip, my husband does a wonderful job of packing light. Hetakes only the bare essentials and has no problem with wearing thesame shoes with every outfit. Me? Well, let's just say I like to beprepared. I might need rain gear or snow shoes. Sunscreen and insectrepellant? Yep, I've got it. How about an extra set of clothes incase the ones I'm wearing are eaten by bears or something. You neverknow, so I like to be prepared. It's safe to say I'm not a lightpacker like Jason. But what Jesus was telling the disciples in theabove passage goes far beyond light packing. They weren't to takeanything but a staff. Can you imagine? No deodorant, toothpaste orchange of underwear. I certainly wouldn't want to be their travelcompanion. Gross!

Iimagine a hand going in the air. "Um, excuse me, Jesus. How arewe supposed to provide for ourselves? How are we supposed to eat?"Jesus just smiles and continues to give other instructions for thejourney. When the directions are completed, the disciples are sentout. Now, let's fast forward to their return from their journey.

Andthe apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told himall things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. - Mark6:30

Interesting!Excitement fills the air as the disciples recount their stories toChrist. They speak of healing and restoration. They talk of powerfulsermons and stirring devotions. But what's interesting to me is whatis not mentioned. There is no mention of their want. No mention of alack of provision. No mention of starvation. By what's not mentioned,we can see that Christ provided for the needs of the disciples.Though they took nothing with them, they had everything they needed.

Inclosing, let me just say that sometimes it looks like we don't havewhat we need to complete our journey. Our strength is gone. We're outof time. The bank account is empty. Our health is failing. Whateverthe case may be, it may seem like we're headed out on a journeywithout any provisions. Just as with the disciples, God will providewhat we need when we need it. Trust in His promise.

But you might want to go ahead and take your toothbrush. I don'tthink anyone wants you to leave that behind.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches inglory by Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19

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