“Okay, Jesus, how many suitcases can I bring?” “None.” “None? You’ve got to be kidding. Not even a carry on?” “No. Not even a carry on. None.”
I can imagine this conversation when Jesus sent the twelve on a missions trip to heal and preach (Mark 6:6-13): “Take nothing for the journey except a staff–no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.”
That gives new definition to the idea of “traveling light.”
Gloria and I don’t do well with the “traveling light” concept. I thought that after the kids were gone, the number of suitcases would go way down. Didn’t happen. If you’re assuming it’s all because of Gloria, you would be wrong. We are pretty much equal partners in crime on this one.
But then, we weren’t on the same kind of faith-building mission Jesus’ disciples were. Why did Jesus give those no-baggage-requirements for Peter, James, and John and the rest of the boys on His team?
It was, I think, a lesson in faith. If Jesus sends you on a mission, He provides what you need to complete it.
Perhaps too it was to showcase the importance of hospitality–a basic Christian virtue–welcoming the stranger. Jesus later focused on this activity as a defining characteristic of those who were His authentic followers (Matthew 25). Interesting in light of some of today’s political rhetoric!
But for me, Jesus’ assignment is also a reminder of how blessed we are! I too often take for granted all the “stuff” God has allowed us to enjoy, the vehicles we travel in, and the suitcases full of stuff to make our journeys more luxurious. God has allowed us to have some amazing privileges.
I must remember:
(1) to continuously be grateful,
(2) to be generous and quick to share out of God’s bounty,
(3) to do regular “heart checks” on whether I own the stuff or it owns me,
(4) to not put my trust in things that can be gone in a moment (think about the fires in California), and
(5) to think about the value of a lifestyle cap — how much is “enough!” with all the rest given away to relieve suffering and to advance the kingdom of God?
