After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

My family and I like to go camping. Sometimes, we do a really good job planning ahead. Other times, like just recently, we planned a last-minute camping trip. The problem is … that when we leave in a flash we leave things behind. I think we needed a generator, some bug repellant and some kitchen utensils, besides plastic silverware. When you go on a long trip, it is prudent to plan ahead and pack for the unexpected.

Strangely, Jesus sends the 72 disciples out, but tells them not to pack and plan ahead. Instead, he says go penny-less, without supplies, and without sandals to walk in. Why would he do this? This seems counter-intuitive.

In this case, I think the reason Jesus commanded this was to prove a point to them: God can provide all the little details, the big and the small needs, for you when you serve him. He sent them out without any part of something they could take credit for. All that would be provided would come from those they ministered to. God would use others to help them and this would also keep them humble. God wanted them to stop worrying about the details and focus on the mission. They could leave the details to him.

In what areas of life do I like to control? Am I willing to let God steer the ship of my life? Will I follow even if it goes against all my logical ideas?

Lord, teach me, like you taught your disciples, to trust you with all the details. You know exactly what I need and when I need it! Teach me to wait on you, dear Father.