Take nothing for the journey...

"(Jesus) instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick--no food, no sack, no money in their belts."

Mark 6:8

 

I'm still chewing on this Gospel from last Sunday (I know, it was rich!) and spent some time thinking on why Jesus would send the disciples out to preach with so few provisions.  What struck me was that Jesus wanted to get them used to depending on God for help doing what they were to do and not their own resources.  The more we have in our own backpacks, the more equipped we may feel based on that.  The more we carry along with us, the more pride we can take in our own abilities, tools, stuff, equipment.  And thus, we may not be relying enough on God.  Jesus wanted his guys to rely on God to equip them, especially since, at this point--early in their apprenticeship, they really didn't have much of their own to offer. Today, let's recognize our own dependence on God to fulfill all of our particular duties through the day.  We may think we have the training, education, talent, and equipment to do our job, but what we really need to depend on is our loving God to put it all together and allow good to come of our efforts.  Blessings on your Friday and weekend!  Love, heidi