Jesus sends out the twelve - Mark 6: 7-13
There are many different ways to pack for going on holiday. Maybe you are one of those people who pack for every eventuality. Sweaters, hats, coats - in case it turns cold. Tee-shirts, shorts and sandals - ready for when the sun shines. Then there are clothes for rain, clothes for evening, clothes in case clothes get dirty, and so it goes on. Or maybe you carefully work out an outfit for every day, plus a few spare items - apparently some people do that!
Then there are the rest of us whose packing is vaguely thought out, but not especially calculated. And all of us bring back things we have never used. We all carry excess baggage.
When Jesus drew his disciples together and instructed them to go out in pairs, he cautioned them very carefully about excess baggage. These were his instructions:
“Take nothing for the journey except a staff — no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.” Mark 6:8-9
He made it clear that they should only take what they needed. And maybe our series of Lenten, Easter and Pentecost reflections is a good time to consider the things we are carrying unnecessarily - both as individuals and as churches.
Past grievances, old hurts, regrets for things we cannot change, mistakes we cannot undo, opportunities we missed???
Take time during this week to maybe make a list of unnecessary things you are carrying, and one by one ask God to take them from you, freeing you up for the new things He is trying to give you.
‘Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning.’ James 1:17
Amen
ASecludedPlace 2019 revisited