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Disciples: Lifestyle of Minimum
Rod ShimabukuroMark 6:6 Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. 7Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.
8These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.
10Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
12They went out and preached that people should repent. 13They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
The disciples assignment was connected to Jesus commissioning, instructions and provision. The provision did not come in the form of financial support, suitcases of clothing, coolers of food and drink. There was no caravan to accompany their mission. What Jesus provided was the assignment and authority.
Modern missionaries, spiritual leaders, pastors and disciples, who want to “Go, make disciples of all nations” (I and we) need to reread this passage. This passage brings me back to the calling of trust in God, a lifestyle of minimum and total surrendered obedience to God.
I’m like - O God... I’m disqualified! I’m so lacking the kind of trust, to give all - to give up all... I say I would at times - yet I waffle in thoughts, heart motive.
O God...I “Over Pack” in my wanting of abundance (the disease of MORE) the “bread, bag and money.”
O God...would I literally “GO”... to the ones the disciples were sent to? The demon possessed, the sick, stubborn-stout hearted who reject Jesus? Would I “Go” in humility to rely on people - to stay in their home, invade their family space, being a stranger who may be seen as a religious, fanatical nut?
O God...would I speak, preach the message of repentance? Would I sugar coat my sermon with palatable stories, loving and gracious illustrations, share my gift of song, dance and drama...? Or would I preach the Gospel of repentance as Jesus so boldly did. (I know Jesus used stories, and I’m not against cultural relevancy to reach the heart).
What I am asking You God - is for the kind of heart, commitment, boldness, fearlessness, love, passion, obedience... to live my love for You out loud! in Life, Deed, Word.
Would I live a Life of Minimum - as Your disciple? O God...HELP ME!
