The strength of humility

08.05.2021

Saturday 8 May 2021

He advised them not to take anything for the trip except a stick, not to have bread, bag or money in their belt, to put on sandals and not to put on two shirts. Mark 6.8.9

Through these verses of the gospel of Mark, we see how Jesus urges his disciples to enter into service, and what means are available to them.

The service into which the disciples will enter is characterized by a minimum of equipment : a staff, a belt and sandals. The means are modest, they remind us that the work of God is accomplished through humble and apparently destitute servants.

The means with which we are called to serve are modest. They symbolize the covering of humility that should characterize us. They do not impress, they do not impose terror : "Indeed, the weapons with which we fight are not human, but they are powerful, thank God, to overthrow strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10.4)

"Humility is a modest covering, but one that allows us to do God's work in an extraordinary way."

It was only with a staff in his hands that Moses brought Israel out of the land of Egypt, where he was held in bondage.

When David confronted the giant Goliath, the latter mocked David, saying : "Am I a dog, so that you come to me with sticks ?" (1 Samuel 17:43)

However, even modestly equipped, David defeated his opponent. David knew the effectiveness of the shepherd’s staff. He recalls it in the wonderful Psalm 23, in verse 4. The stick of the divine shepherd is more than enough to put our adversary, the roaring lion, to flight.

The apostle Paul tells us about this belt which is part of the equipment of the Lord's soldiers: The belt of truth. "Stand firm therefore : have the truth around your waist for a belt" (Ephesians 6:14).

Here is the modest equipment, but how much sufficient to accomplish the work of the Lord !

Advice for today

Put on humility and the power of God will be fulfilled in your weakness. (Read 1 Corinthians 1: 25-31).

Paul Calzada

Source (The Thought of the Day)