Mark wrote how Jesus, “called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits”, and in chapter six and verse eight of his book, Mark writes how Jesus “commanded” His disciples, “that they should take nothing for their journey” where we read:
And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey,
save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
The verse reads, “And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey,” Mark began with the words, “and he commanded them” or “and Jesus ordered, charged and announced to His disciples” “that they should take nothing” which means “that the disciples were not to carry or bear up one thing with them” “for their journey” or “for the disciple's traveled road, course of conduct, progress or route”. Mark shared how Jesus “ordered” His disciples not to “carry anything” with them for their travels.
The verse goes on to say, “save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:” Mark continued with the words, “save a staff only” which means “except for a walking stick, rod or branch”; “no scrip” or “not a wallet or leather sack in which travelers and shepherds carried their provisions”, “no bread” which refers to “no food composed of flour mixed with water and baked”, “no money in their purse” or “no coins made of brass, silver or gold within their girdles, belts or pockets”. Mark shared how Jesus instructed His disciples to carry only a “walking stick”, but they were to have no wallet for provisions, no food nor any “monetary coins” for which they might provide for themselves.
When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we see how Jesus desired for His disciples to be dependent upon God alone for their provisions. They were to learn that God would take care of them as they “traveled”, and though it was natural to make “provisions” for any sort of travel, the disciples were to set those provisions aside and trust in Him. God wants people to understand He is their strength, their provision, their economy, their protection and their ability. Rather than depend upon “human resources”, disciples of Jesus must learn to rely upon His word, and there is no better provision and protection available to mankind.
Next time Mark shares how Jesus told His disciples they should, “be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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