Barefoot
So I'm sitting yesterday with the bishop of our synod and other pastors in the area discussing a passage from scripture, Luke 10:1-12. Then it hits me. Jesus wants us to go barefoot! For me there is nothing like walking through a yard of freshly cut grass in bare feet or walking across a warm sandy beach. Before you think I'm crazy, listen to what Jesus says, "I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals..." Carry no sandals. There it is. Barefoot!
Why? Now I don't think that we talk it literally in the 21st century. Jesus wants us to be known for love as his followers, not as some kooks who walk around barefooted in the snow. His words are contextual to a point. I do think he meant what he said to those seventy plus people that day. He did want them to go barefoot. But what about us? Is there a lesson in there for we who walk in the footsteps of Jesus? Yep. Three.
First, going barefoot makes you tread a bit more lightly on the ground. Maybe as followers of Jesus we need to walk more slowly and intentionally in life, paying attention to what's around us. Maybe we need to lay aside for a while our fast track to success to embrace those around us.
Second, going barefoot makes you more relaxed. Maybe when we walk through this world we need to take a deep breath and relax. Maybe we take life too seriously. Are our laces tied too tight? Maybe we need to trust God a lot more. Let go and let God.
Third, going barefoot shows humility. Maybe we need to approach God as Moses did long ago, barefoot. When Moses approached the burning bush from which God was speaking, God told Moses to take off his shoes in worship and respect.
Go ahead. Slip off those shoes with me.
Why? Now I don't think that we talk it literally in the 21st century. Jesus wants us to be known for love as his followers, not as some kooks who walk around barefooted in the snow. His words are contextual to a point. I do think he meant what he said to those seventy plus people that day. He did want them to go barefoot. But what about us? Is there a lesson in there for we who walk in the footsteps of Jesus? Yep. Three.
First, going barefoot makes you tread a bit more lightly on the ground. Maybe as followers of Jesus we need to walk more slowly and intentionally in life, paying attention to what's around us. Maybe we need to lay aside for a while our fast track to success to embrace those around us.
Second, going barefoot makes you more relaxed. Maybe when we walk through this world we need to take a deep breath and relax. Maybe we take life too seriously. Are our laces tied too tight? Maybe we need to trust God a lot more. Let go and let God.
Third, going barefoot shows humility. Maybe we need to approach God as Moses did long ago, barefoot. When Moses approached the burning bush from which God was speaking, God told Moses to take off his shoes in worship and respect.
Go ahead. Slip off those shoes with me.
posted by Mike Weaver at 12:03 PM
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