Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals ...

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
...
Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. ... And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.
These verses precede one of the great passages of the gospels where, not only the elite twelve disciples go, but a horde of many are appointed to precede Jesus on his journey. These are told to go into each town and "Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’". And, as they go, these are instructed to pray for more harvesters to be raised up. It really encourages me to know that this kind of ministry is not just for apostles.

I love it how the Lord also tells them to just go and let God, through others, meet their needs of food and shelter. I have to admit that, as a onetime project manager, this advice seems pretty ridiculous. I mean who goes on a trip and does not make reservations in advance? We all enjoy the illusion of controlling our destiny and our destination. Yet, in this example, the Lords paints us a picture of what it means to trust God for the journey - both then and now.

Help me to let go Lord. Teach me what it means on this journey to trust you to meet my needs.

2 comments:

  1. Ed G.Wednesday, March 21, 2012 2:48:00 PM

    Hi Bob.
    They actually let me give the message at church last week and I preached on this very passage. If interested, http://www.crossroadsct.org/#/media (March 11 message)
    Peace and joy to you,

    Ed G

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    Replies
    1. kc bobThursday, March 22, 2012 4:23:00 PM

      Well done Ed! Enjoyed listening to your message. Strange hearing you speak as we only know each other through the printed word. Hope you have many more opportunities to share and get a few folks to shake a few apple trees.

      And if you want to know how I sound just select the "Sermons" page above to view the video. :)

      Delete

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