Today’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:27-34, Mark 6:1-6, Matthew 13:53-58, Matthew 9:35-38, Mark 6:7-13, Matthew 10:1-42, Luke 9:1-6
Last year this time I was packing for a trip. I was going to be gone a couple of weeks. As I read Jesus’ instructions to the disciples as He sent them out to minister I thought, “Lord, could I ever be that obedient, trusting, and full of faith?
And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes. –Mark 6: 7-9
No suitcase, no money, no clothes????
In my 21st century, western thought process that’s just not acceptable. I was only spending a couple of weeks at my daughters, who had a closet full of clothes I could wear, but I was still carrying a carload MY stuff!
I’ve always been an over packer; whether it was diaper bags, skin care class supplies during my years as a Mary Kay Sales Director, or corporate training tools and tricks, I’ve always carried too much.
I want to be prepared, ready for anything! I guess my ‘stuff” is my security. I feel in control when I have it. Maybe that’s the reason Jesus wanted HIS disciples to leave their “stuff” at home; so they would depend on God and not their own resourcefulness.
This may have been a test for the disciples. Jesus knew what faced them, it wasn’t for the faint-hearted. If they couldn’t give up their stuff, they would be in real trouble when they were…
- Handed over to the courts to be flogged with whips in the synagogues (Matthew 10:17)
- Forced to stand trial before governors and kings because they were Jesus’ followers (Matthew 10:18)
Do your material possessions ever get in the way of being obedient to and dependent on God?
Do things like houses, cars, new furniture, technology, or the latest fashion take a higher priority than your relationship with your heavenly Father?
Could you walk away from your “stuff” if the Lord asked you?
I don’t think God is opposed to us having “stuff,” He just wants us to be able to leave it at home if He asks us.
Heavenly Father, help us to put our “stuff” in the proper perspective, Your perspective. We want to bring Glory to You. Teach us how to be less materialistic.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!
© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 9:7-9, Mark 6:14-29, Matthew 14:1-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15, Mark 6:45-52, Matthew 14:22-23, John 6:16-21, Mark 6:53-56, Matthew 14:34-36
