Mark 6:6-13
Life
is about passing it along. We learn things and then we pass that knowledge
along to the next generations. We have libraries and museums that store the accumulated
knowledge. We have schools and academies and universities to pass along knowledge
in a structured way. We have apprenticeship programs and fellowships to enable
passing along skills that must be taught personally, hands on, rather than from
a book. And now we have the internet, a fast storehouse of knowledge without
any filter to week out false and partial knowledge from truth. What a minefield.
Jesus
is getting ready to send His closest followers out to pass along what they have
learned. They are His public relations lead teams. They are sent out to begin
the groundwork for Jesus’ official introduction to them. They preach the very
basics, that people need to repent, have a radical life-change.
The
disciples are not without resources, but the resources are limited. Jesus
purposely sends His disciples out to live on the edge. They must trust other
people to support them. They don’t have enough bus fare to return home. They
get a one way ticket. They don’t have military MRE’s, Meals Ready to Eat, to
sustain them. They must rely on the people they are reaching to provide the
simple daily requirements of food and shelter. This makes them trust. If they
don’t trust, they can’t accomplish the mission.
Living
in this kind of trusting relationship is very different from our usually way of
living. We have a checking account, credit card, line of credit and second
mortgage to ensure we don’t have to trust. We plan for the future with 401k’s,
money market accounts, CDs, stock options and social security. We generally don’t
have to trust.
At
one point in our life we moved from Rochester, NY to Springfield, MO with $600,
no job, no place to live and all our possessions stuffed into a 4’ x 6’ U’Haul
trailer. The two door hatchback was filled with us and the two small kids. What
a trip. The Lord didn’t let us down. There were some very lean months. But the
LORD was faithful.
If
you have never had to live on the edge, maybe it is time to consider the possibility.
I don’t mean you must go out and do it today, but think it through. What would
be the most difficult things to give up? What conveniences would you miss the
most? What mental adjustments would you need to make in order to thrive in that
kind of situation?
Jesus’
disciples were being asked to take a giant step. Jesus wouldn’t be there to
multiply the food, or heal their sicknesses. They would have to trust.