Matthew 10:5-10
Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:
“Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.
“Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Yesterday, our family gathered at the table to share a late-afternoon Easter Sunday meal. Let me just say that twenty years ago, this would have been a much more detailed affair – a family potluck that involved several women (and a couple of men) working for days on a special ham and more side dishes than you could begin to count – much less sample! We would have gathered at the home of one relative or another in our Easter finery, shared a meal, and lingered through the afternoon to reminisce and catch up while the little ones hid and hunted eggs.
But “life happens,” and yesterday our table was set for seven…Greg and me, our niece and her husband, and three of their children. We hid eggs in the front yard for the kids to hunt. But lunch was bar-b-que with all the trimmings from a favorite local restaurant. I made a pecan pie and deviled eggs…but the rest was take-out…and it was delicious.
As we sat at the table, my niece said, “I loved the Easters when I was little…but this is so much better – and much more relaxed.” And I understood what she meant. She remembered the “wardrobe struggle” to get her into the fancy Easter outfit, replete with pantyhose (which she always hated). As a busy working mother, she knows the effort that goes into preparing a big meal for a group – or even getting things together for a holiday celebration. I was enjoying the conversation and laughter with my kiddos…not thinking about a sink filled with dishes to be washed when everyone went home. We were dressed casually in jeans and comfortable shoes. We ate…we lingered…we celebrated the day and lived generously!
Jesus tells us in this passage to look around our own immediate “circle” and see what needs to be done. He is telling us to listen to one another, love liberally, reach out to the neighbors down the street and our own family members, and minister in His name to those right underneath our noses! Above all, Jesus tells us to “Keep it simple!”
This really hit home with me as I visited with a dear “bonus mother” who is nearing her 99th birthday. A few times I have taken her a little gift – maybe even just a small tin of candy. One day, she said to me, “You don’t have to bring me something every time you come to see me – your visit is gift enough!” Let me tell you…not only did this remind me to “travel light” – my friend gave me license to relax and enjoy her without worry about making even the smallest “show.” And this is what Jesus means when He tells us that we are the equipment.
It costs nothing more than a little time to pick up the phone and call a shut-in – or to knock on the door of a friend or neighbor and ask, “How are you doing?” We don’t need a big production to gather with friends and loved ones and share joy, encouragement, memories, and hope. I still remember impromptu picnics with dear cousins that were some of the best family gatherings we ever had…with nothing more than store-bought chips and cookies, and hot dogs – or even tuna fish and pimiento cheese sandwiches. The food was not the focus…it was all about love.
I have fond memories of the lavish family holiday dinners of days gone by…perfectly set and decorated tables with the fine china…and seemingly every side dish and dessert known to man. But I will treasure the memories made at a backyard wiener roast last month – and yesterday’s take-out Easter dinner. Jesus is calling us to be more present…to ask Him to equip us for whatever mission and ministry He chooses for us…and to trust that His strength and power are often enough – with no extra gear needed!
Jesus is calling us to drop the baggage, travel light, and be His hands and feet in our own “circle” and neighborhood. Keep it simple, travel light…and get going in Jesus’ name! Alleluia!
©2024 Debbie Robus
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