Luke 10:1-4
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.
2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.
Why would Jesus send them out this way? No money, backpack, extra shoes, don’t even greet anyone on the road. That doesn’t sound very Christian-like does it? Being a Christian is not a set of rules, do this, don’t do that. It doesn’t work that way. I am to love Jesus with a love that is supposed to be so intense and powerful that it affects our lifestyle and even the simple choices we make daily.
But what about this not greeting people on the road? At the time, there were wandering bandits on the roadways. Many bandits, including the modern day version will try and get me into a friendly conversation to find out what I have and what they can steal. Stranger Danger. Like most elementary aged children this was taught as children and I see here that there hasn’t been much change over the ages in their modus operandi. Jesus knew this then and gave His disciples a reminder of the times they live in. That same warning is still valid today. I should greet and get to know people in safe places, not on the road at night when I am alone and defenseless. The disciples were instructed to go with a partner for safety. God is telling me not to be stupid and get caught unprepared and unaware.
Praise You Father, even in the love You pour over us are lessons hidden in lessons. Help me to see and understand them so that I am more effective in Your service. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen and Amen.