3 years ago when I arrived in China I lived out of 2 suitcases. And then this year I am living out of a backpack and a daypack. That’s not a lot of stuff. But, it is so much more than Jesus told His disciples to go with in Luke 9:1-6.
And he called the 12 together and gave then the power and authority over all daemons and to cure diseases and the sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And the said to them , "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And whatever they no do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." and they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
They left with nothing. No bag, no food, not clothes, no money. Sure, they probably left things behing that they could eventually go back to if they wanted but they left with nothing except the clothes on their backs. They had to trust Jesus. I am sure this sounded crazy. Who leaves for a journey without first preparing? I know I sure did before leaving for the World Race.
I went to different stores and compared gear online. I tried and tested products. I decided and purchased . I made lists and more lists. The point it, when we left from Chicago I thought I was well prepared for the 11 months. I have everything I needed. The disciples had nothing.
The disciples needed faith. They needed faith that there would be people in the towns who would open their homes to them. That food, laundry, places to sleep, and changed of cloths would come from the townspeople. From those who also believe and trusted in Jesus. From those who were open to hearing the truth about this man.
It's powerful stuff. It takes a lot of trust and faith. In today's world we have so much stuff. And I admit, it's hard to leave it behind. If I were told to leave it all behind forever I would to pray long and hard about it.
But then I think of where am I storing up my treasures. On earth they will one day be trash. They will rsut and be eaten by moths. But the treasures stored in heaven will be eternal. Those are the treasures the apostles were storing when they left on their journey.
So they went. I am not sure if it was without question, knowing some of the apostles there were probably some 'but Jesus, are you serious' moments. But the obeyed. They went with nothing and they were rewarded. They went through the villages preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
So yes, I didn't go with nothing. But I have little compared to the standards of the western world. I obeyed Gods call and have faith in Him that all my needs, not wants, will be provided. I hope at the end of this journey I can look back and see my rewards are like the apostles, treasures stored in Heaven that will last for an eternity.
