READ WITH UNDERSTANDING. Now, go. Im sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not carry a money bag, traveling bag, or sandals.... (Luke 10:3ff.) A nationally syndicated columnist quoted the above passage as he raked preachers over the coals for making a decent living. He said, When Jesus sent out His disciples, He told them not even to carry a money bag. Yes, he was right. Jesus said that. And later changed it. In the Luke 10 passage (verses 1-16) our Lord is commissioning the disciples as they leave for a short-term mission trip. Like the seminarians which they were, in a way, they were going out to practice preaching and ministering. Then, they would return and be debriefed (Howd it go?). The idea is to prepare them for a time when Jesus will not be with them physically and theyll be doing this for the rest of their lives, often at the risk of their lives. Luke 10:17 tells of their return. They were excited. Now, fast-forward a year or so. Stop at Luke 22:35. This time, the Lord is getting the disciples ready for the real thing. He said to them, When I sent you out without money-bag, traveling bag, or sandals, did you lack anything? Not a thing, they said. But now, Jesus said, whoever has a money-bag should take it, and also a traveling bag. And whoever doesnt have a sword should sell his robe and buy one.... Lets not get diverted into discussing preachers with moneybags and swords, but stay on subject. That columnist had pontificated on something he was ignorant about. He did not know his Bible, and should have asked someone before misapplying the Word. Its an easy mistake to make. Those of us who never make an attempt to read the entire Scriptures (all the New Testament several times, and then the Old), but who just look up a verse or let our Bible fall open to a passage and run with that, are prone to make this kind of mistake. Dont you make that mistake. Know your Bible. Make sure when using a text that you know the full context. And when youre not sure, ask someone who knows.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 11:30:53 +0000
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