Posted: May 11, 08 11:25pm
Mar 6:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: Mar 6:9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
Jesus has called ordinary believers to be extraordinary witnesses of His grace and of His kingdom power. We are certainly called to a simple life as far as material possessions and wealth. We are to be in the world and not of the world. We are not to love money and the collecting of possessions. Yet, who among us has not fallen into the trap of keeping up with the Jones'?
When we are overly concerned about finances and accumulation we miss the choicest blessing and favor of God--spiritual blessings. When we are alarmed that our paycheck or Social Security check does not stretch to cover expenses each month, we feel a curse is upon our life and we are going through a trial such as no other has ever experienced. We do not recognize that Jesus Himself was put upon to have many, many common inconveniences in His life, our pattern of example.
From Jesus' birth through His burial He was totally dependent upon the Father's provision. At birth, a borrowed manager was where He laid. In His ministry He borrowed homes to eat in, boats to preach on, and in miraculously feeding the crows He borrowed fish and bread. His ministry and the disciple's needs was supported by some God fearing women. His triumphant entry into Jerusalem was upon a borrowed colt and donkey. When He desired to eat the last supper with His disciples it was in a borrowed upper room.
Yes, even at the last, linen was borrowed for His grave clothes and a tomb for His body to be laid to rest in. No material possession could consume His thoughts and time. No possession or trapping of the earth could dissuade Him from following the Father's will and accomplishing His mission.
Jesus had left it all in heaven, glory and honor and riches to come to earth and testify of the Father's Divine Providence. Not once did we hear of Jesus bemoaning lack and bothers. Necessity to Jesus was doing the Father's will. How sidetracked we become when we gaze upon earthly treasures which moth and rust will consume and not upon the abundant spiritual riches God desires to dispense liberally to those that ask. That He cannot refuse.
Taking our eyes off of our surroundings and those of our neighbors we can begin to bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. (Eph 1:3)
You can certainly expect common inconveniences; they are guaranteed to come. But as they do, if you will keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus, you will clearly see that He is with you as the Guardian of your soul. Nothing of any value can be lost for He firmly holds you in the palm of His hands. You are what He is interceding as our High Priest. Not one treasure you own will enter into heaven. But you are of more value than many sparrows. It is the hair on your head that is numbered---not the change in your pocket. How much more will He clothe and provide for you, just as He has promised. Keep focused on the heavenly places in Christ.
