Blog

ADVENT IN PLAIN SIGHT: BELTS-4

By: Steve Negley

Posted: December 15, 2022

Category: Daily Devotional

Mark 6:7-13

He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff: no bread, no bag, no money in their belts, but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

I once had a money belt. What a nifty way to stash a little cash, especially on a trip, as a buffer for tough times that might loom in the future. When Jesus gave His followers their marching orders, he forbade such provisions. He wanted them to journey out in faith. He wanted them to trust for God to provide. It’s a little scary, but it makes the trip easier to plan.

Prayer

O God, let me depend on you to give me what I truly need in life. As I reflect this season on how you started out your earthly journey in a stable rather than a palace, remind me that life is more about trust than treasure. Help me to faithfully follow the Christ each and every day. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.