God will not abandon us

. . . no food, no sack, no money. 

When we think about Jesus sending the disciples out along rocky footpaths in sweltering heat without as much as a drachma to spend or a barley loaf to eat, it might seem neglectful.   But that’s because we are looking at this story with twenty-first-century eyes.   It was a common practice in Jesus’ day for people to welcome traveling preachers into their homes and care for their needs.   Hospitality was one of the top virtues of ancient Israel!   But we can take a spiritual lesson from this passage: God will not abandon us.

We all have days when we feel empty-handed and unprepared to do the work of the Lord.   We might say to ourselves, “God hasn’t given me enough patience” or “I wish I had the same compassion that so-and-so has.”   In these moments, we can try to consider the “no food, no sack, no money” principle.   Without earthly provisions in their packs, the disciples knew for certain that whatever food or help they received would come from other godly people as an expression of God’s care for them.

What may seem to us like an extreme example of “packing light” was actually Jesus’ way of asking them to trust him.   Not only had he given them his own authority to cast out evil spirits and heal the sick, but he also assured them that he would guide them to people who would reflect his kindness and generosity.

This passage tells us that when we try to follow the commandments by relying only on our own strength and wisdom, we will find ourselves unprepared.   But when we set out trusting that God will care for us, we’ll find him coming through with unexpected grace.   We’ll find him giving us, each day, our daily bread.

So today, ask God to fill you up with all the provisions you need for your journey.   Let him relieve you of the burden of trying to provide for yourself, just as he did for the disciples.   Don’t be afraid to tell the Lord what you think you’re missing.   Ask for his help.   He won’t leave you empty-handed.

word among us