“Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.” (Luke 10:4 KJV).
In a worldly mindset, this passage is perplexing and even contradictory to its established norms. Travel, especially for a modern individual of the world, calls for full planning and complete preparation, knowing the mission to accomplish has its expected risks to face. Resources for sustenance and tools for protection are needed. But, considering its broader context in a non-worldly perspective, that of a heavenly nature, this verse takes on a deeper and supernatural message.
These seventy two disciples are sent as an expanded group from the first twelve apostles that the Lord Jesus Christ commissioned originally with the same specific instructions to travel light without extra provisions, conveying the message to rely on heavenly supply and not of the world. This conveys the Lord’s seriousness of His assurance about trusting Him to have single-minded focus on the mission at hand.
The Lord Jesus gives them a new command: “do not greet anyone on the road.” (Luke 10:4b NIV). This is a call for steadfastness on their mission and a warning against being distracted by worldly concerns. The world contains the beauty and wonders of God’s creations. These are blessings for our enjoyment and to sustain our physical journey in the world. But, the enemy, with its trickery, can use it - even blessings intended for our good, to make us blink and fall. It is written: “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31a NIV).
As with every other things good, the enemy can use it to distract us if not carefully placed in its right order of priorities. Earthly things must only be secondary. Hence, the Lord Jesus instructs the seventy two and us - who now are His redeemed by grace - given the mantle and commissioned to go share the Good News from Heaven on this planet, not to be sidetracked. We must have a single-minded focus to do Kingdom business FIRST. Scriptures remind: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
1 comment:
Amen.
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