Today’s Community Scripture – 2/25/2025
Jesus now called the Twelve and gave them authority and power to deal with all the demons and cure diseases. He commissioned them to preach the news of God’s kingdom and heal the sick. He said, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment. And no luxury inns—get a modest place and be content there until you leave. If you’re not welcomed, leave town. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on.” Commissioned, they left. They traveled from town to town telling the latest news of God, the Message, and curing people everywhere they went. Herod, the ruler, heard of these goings on and didn’t know what to think. There were people saying John had come back from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, still others that some prophet of long ago had shown up. Herod said, “But I killed John—took off his head. So who is this that I keep hearing about?” Curious, he looked for a chance to see him in action.
Luke 9:1–9 (MSG)
Key Verse – He said, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment. Luke 9:3–4(MSG)
– Reflection:
Take Nothing For Your Journey
We are all called to go out and proclaim the kingdom of GOD. I have a few pieces of software and websites that help me learn and share the message of the gospel from my understanding. I have copies of my favorite prayers ready for my morning meeting with God to create this devotional, along with various resources to make the process easier. In this passage, Jesus says to take nothing, which is incredibly scary and, if I’m honest, a bit freeing. We all feel inadequate or unworthy. Our possessions help us hide from our calling, boost our confidence, and keep our hearts protected from getting hurt. But that stuff gets in the way.
He Said Take nothing for the Journey.
Where do we go from here?
When we attend a practice with the youth in our organization, it serves as a great reminder to be open to learning from those we meet. Leave all your baggage behind. Be open. Be curious. Trust. That can be difficult, and we often make excuses. We’re too busy, too tired. We feel we lack the necessary skills or talent, believing we need to learn more. As we go through the practices we have planned, we frequently adapt our approach because the participants may have grasped that concept. Having prepared extensively, we typically stick to our original plan. Jesus said, ‘You are the tool,’ so we can pivot and move to the next concept because we know what follows. Even with a set lesson, as tools, we can navigate through this practice and elevate the experience for the participants in the program. Jesus instructs us to take nothing. Don’t dwell on what you lack or what you don’t understand. Trust in those who accompany you. Trust in the God who promises to always be with us.
Our Prayer for Today
Father, walk with us today as we seek to answer your call. Strengthen us to pursue justice, to embrace kindness, and to walk humbly with you throughout this journey of life. Amen.
