Read: Luke 9:1–6
He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic.” Luke 9:3
What do you pack when preparing for a trip? Clothes? Food? A wallet full of cash and credit cards? When we travel, we want to be as prepared as we can be for any and every eventuality. We pack all we can fit into our suitcases and stuff as many bags as we can in the car. We don’t want to forget anything!
Jesus had an entirely different desire for His disciples as He sent them out to travel and teach in the region of Galilee. Jesus didn’t want His disciples to pack for every eventuality; He wanted them to be prepared to depend on God. Jesus wanted His disciples to travel light. He wanted His disciples to be unencumbered by excess “stuff.” When in need, Jesus didn’t want His disciples to first look in their suitcases, or their wallets, or in the pocket of their tunics. When in need, Jesus wanted His disciples to first turn to God.
When traveling, do you pack more than you need?
Lord, I want to be prepared. When I travel, I want to make sure I have everything I need. I would rather have too much than too little. However, in my packing, I wind up leaving very little room for You. Help me to pack less into my life, so that there is more space for You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.