Jesus Sent His Disciples out Empty Handed

In scripture, Jesus is reported to have sent His disciples out empty handed denying them the customary clothing, provisions and money required for the success of their mission. In thinking about this for a moment I believe that being sent out empty handed is much more common than one may think. At least for missions that come from God.

Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come.  And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way.” (Luke 10, 1-4)

I think a mission to heal the sick would be deemed impossible by most of the world today.

Saint Peter Healing the Cripple - Raising Tabitha - Masolino

Therefore the lesson of Jesus is clear; to be successful in our God given ministries we must learn to have total faith in God.

After all, only when the world sees the impossible achieved by the power of God will they start to believe our words. This was true for Jesus himself, who performed miracles in support of the words that He spoke to the people. It was also true for the disciples as well. Peter and John healed the beggar at the temple gate for example and the entire congregation took notice of the event.

When the world sees the miracles of God supporting His saints they will become more likely to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the Christ.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost

Why would any Jew or Moslem for example, be persuaded to believe in Jesus when all we have is words? It is through miraculous circumstances that the unbeliever will become ripe for the harvest.

The point is that if we are committed to modeling our lives after our Savior Jesus, then we do not need worldly things for the ministry to be successful. If we do not have what is required then we can pray knowing that He will provide what we need.

In fact, we are much better off having an undoubting faith than to have magnificent resources in support of our ministry. Speaking for myself, I believe that the favor of God is a requirement for successful ministry. Without it all the assets of the world can be ineffective.

We should not hesitate to take on a mission that comes from God simply because it has an improbable outcome. After all, what glory is there for God if the world knows that we mortal men have achieved something on our own abilities? If Jesus has sent us out, then we should not worry about our inabilities or limited resources. If He sent us, then He will provide the money, materials, people and anything else we need for that matter. Have faith and stick to the things that He has shown you. Continue on in faith and do not doubt. I tell you He will deliver what is needed at the very last minute. Do not waiver but rather, stand strong and you joy will be great:

The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” (Luke 10, 17-20)

In addition, do not try to solve problems in accordance with the ways of man. God deserves all the credit, wait on Him and let Him do the impossible through you. Most of all ensure that you give God all of the glory when He comes through for you.

Finally, when He calls you and sends you out, act quickly, be obedient and do not be distracted from your mission.