Traveling Really Light

Traveling Really Light

Matthew 10:9-14
Don't take any money in your money belts -- no gold, silver, or even copper
coins. Don't carry a traveler's bag with a change of clothes and sandals or
even a walking stick. Don't hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who
work deserve to be fed. Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a
worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. When you enter the
home, give it your blessing. If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your
blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. If any household or town
refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet
as you leave.

Jesus instructed His disciples to travel light. No money, no
extra clothes. He wanted them to be flexible, nimble, responsive, focused. He
wanted them to be ready at a moment’s notice to share the Good News along with either
a blessing or a goodbye. And if they moved on without leaving a blessing, He
wanted them to “shake the dust from their sandals”. I’ve often thought this was
directed more as a statement or message to the house they were leaving and the
inhabitants of that house. But it struck me recently that perhaps it was really
more of a strong message to the disciples – “forget about it!” Move on down the
road and don’t look back. Don’t have any regrets. Don’t second guess yourself.
Don’t try to circle back and try to deliver the message again. Above all, don’t
blame yourself.

Jesus wants us to travel really light. Don’t carry even an extra speck of dust with
you. Because that speck of dust can bring up bad memories or worries or doubts.
If the Good News isn’t well received, there are other people ready to hear it
and believe it. Focus on them. Be 100% ready to deliver the good news to them
without any hindrances from the past. Don’t check any extra baggage, don’t pay
any extra fees, don’t wait to reclaim that old baggage. Travel light – leave
blessings in your wake. But don’t take anything
extra with you.