Two by Two

 

Jesus summoned the twelve and sent them out two by two. Mark 6:7

When my kids were little, one sentence that could guarantee a wrinkle in my patience was, “I do it myself!” I appreciated their independence but sometimes they chose the most impossible tasks for a toddler to try solo and they always seemed to do it when we were in a hurry.  They just didn’t understand that it was ok to ask for help when the job got tricky.

This passage from Mark’s Gospel reminds me of that very same lesson I tried to teach my kids so many years ago…we don’t have to do it ourselves.  God sent the apostles two by two.  The “original evangelization” was so important it took a pair or a team.  The “new evangelization” is just the same.  We are called to share the Gospel and to live the Gospel.  Lucky for us the instructions Mark wrote about in this passage are still as relevant today as they were when he wrote them. 

We need to work together and admit we don’t always have the best ideas and abilities; God gave all of us gifts and talents to be used to further His kingdom.  We need to trust in God’s provisions; He loves us too much to let us go hungry or penniless.  He will provide for our need not our greed. Finally, we need to let the Holy Spirit guide us.  Sometimes our work is about just planting the seeds of His love and then stepping aside so He can finish the work.

 A Seed To Plant:  What is the Father’s mission for you?  How is He calling you to further His kingdom and who can you join up with to complete your mission? Loving Father, show me how to serve.  Please guide my way and instruct me as I combine my time, talents and treasures with others who are willing to further Your kingdom.

Blessings on your day!