On the Eve of Departure

"Then Jesus called the twelve together... and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey..." Luke 9: 1-6

Heal and proclaim, Lord?


Were the twelve afraid?
Did they wonder if they could do those things?


Compared to the quality of Your ministry,
did they feel inadequate and unworthy?
What persuaded them to go? Your words?
Your friendship? Their enthusiasm?
Your deep belief that they could do it?


And you said:
"Take nothing for the journey."
What did you mean?


Trust - or more than trust?
Did you perhaps imply that we can't wait
until we have all the possible things we need?
That we can't postpone 'doing'
until we are positive of our talents?
That we can't hold off our commitment
until we are absolutely sure
we won't make a mistake?


I think of all the excuses and reasons
we can give for not serving and giving:
no time, no talent, no knowledge,
no energy, no assured results.


You say, "Take nothing.
Don't worry about your inadequacies.
I will provide for you.
Go! Just go!
Go with my power.


Risk the road, risk the work.
Go! I will be with you.


What else do you need?"
Joyce Rupp

While there are 9 of us, not 12, and I seriously doubt any of us will show up with 'nothing', we leave at 0630 tomorrow.

Your prayers for 'traveling mercies' will be gratefully accepted.