Dirt Off Your Shoulder

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere. Luke 9: 1-6

I imagine that the disciples must have found this instruction to be pretty strange. Don’t bring a staff, bag, food, money or an extra set of clothes? When you think about the fact that they were on foot and could only travel as far as their legs would take them in a day this is pretty remarkable. How in the world were they supposed to complete their journey?

By faith, that’s how.

Of course it is pretty clear that by now word of Jesus had spread. It had moved to the point that huge crowds would gather when he spoke. The stories of healing had probably reached all of the surrounding walkable areas.

But also, he was a controversial figure; and clearly he had some pretty organized haters. But still, they were instructed to go out anyway and have faith that the journey would provide them with all that they needed.

How many of us have this level of faith? Has the time to strike out on the journey toward your dreams long since past? What is holding you back?

Now clearly this example isn’t saying that you should drop everything, quit your day job without any savings, and risk homelessness in pursuit of your dreams. After all Jesus didn’t tell them to go on this journey naked and barefoot.

Put on some clothes and strap on your sandals first. Let’s use our common sense here folks.

But what is clear is that the first steps we take out there towards our dreams will be steps of faith. We won’t have all of the questions answered. We will probably feel like we are taking some serious risks; but that’s ok. If you know deep in your heart that it is time to move and you have the provision to take the next couple of steps, take them.

And when you get to the first stop along the way there will be someone there to take you in, help you, and build you up.

And for those who hate… shake the dust off your feet, brush that dirt off your shoulder and tell them to kick rocks.

Their opinions don’t mean much anyway.

Let’s get it!

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 4-6; Luke 9: 1-17