Nothing for the Journey but Love

May the words of my mouth and this meditation of our hearts be pleasing in your sight, LORD, our Rock and our Redeemer.  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

All my bags are packed and I’m ready to go. Are they really? Did I forget anything for the trip? Clothing, undergarments, socks, swimsuit, sleepwear, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, sunscreen, bug spray, phone charger, phone and most important debit card and a bit of cash.  Yes, I think I have it all.  Vacation time - a time from getting away from it all. Or am I taking it all with me?

Some of us like to make sure we cover all our bases.  Many of us like to worry about every little thing. We stress over things that may or may not happen. We try to make sure we will have the proper things to combat any tragedy that may befall us so we ‘pack our bag’ for life’s journey and we carry this heavy load with us.  

The wonderful love guru, Dr. Leo Buscaglia shared this story of a 85-year man who was dying and his reflection on his life.  The man said,

“I’d have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.  You see I was one of those people who lived prophylactically and sensibly and sanely every hour after hour and day after day… I’ve been one of those people who never went anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat and a parachute. If I had to do it all over I’d travel lighter next time.”

How sad for this man who lived a life based on fear and worry rather than faith. His bag was full of worry, trepidation and doubt. He made sure to fill his bag, his life with stuff to prevent suffering, pain and the uncomfortable things in life. 

His bag was so heavy that he had not enjoyed the journey of life.  He regretted that and said if he had to do it over, he would travel lighter the next time.

Well, today Jesus challenges us to travel light.  We are to take nothing for the journey.  No suitcase, no money and no GPS! We only need Jesus. 

He is all we will ever need. He is the eternal GPS who will guide us on our way.   Trust Jesus, travel light. When we prepare too much that leaves no room for God to surprise us. Remember that God will provide what is needed and then some. Jesus is more than enough. 

However, Jesus knows that going it alone on the journey is scary and risky.  We are to travel with a buddy, a companion. To have a companion or a buddy is to be in a relationship. Strength in numbers so to speak, one to share the joy and sorrow with.

Companionship is a constant, a comfort, a source of strength in a world that can be complicated and frightening.  Jesus knew that we need each other, that two are better than one for if one falls the other companion will lift up the one who is down. 

Jesus focuses on the fact that we are not meant to be alone but we need and desire relationship with others and with God.  In Christianity there are no lone ranger Christians, we live and grow and serve in community. We need each other to fend off the dangers of the world. 

Jesus tells us that we are like lambs in the midst of wolves. Safety in numbers, so to speak, with the Holy Spirit providing the safety net so we never need to worry about things. All is well, we are to carry on for we will not be alone.

Sometimes we might feel like the first disciples.  They didn’t exactly know what to expect as they ventured forth in the name of Jesus.  Perhaps they were a bit apprehensive but they ventured forth nevertheless. 

They had each other and the blessing of Jesus.  What would be, would be, Que Sera sera. To their surprise, they were well received and they returned to Jesus with joy.  

It appears that they were surprised at how well this journey went.  A journey undertaken without money, food or things. They only went with the love of Jesus and his message of hope.

They had been vulnerable, willing to risk rejection and maybe physical harm but God was with them and so they were successful in their task of announcing the soon to be heard, the Good News of Jesus.

Upon their return, with  excitement ever evident, Jesus welcomes them with open arms.  He gently tells them not to get too excited that the spirits submitted their message but that their names are written in the book of life in heaven. 

It wasn’t about the great stuff they had accomplished but it was all about God’s presence dwelling within them.  They had been faithful in their mission, speaking the truth of Jesus and showing God’s love to all. Because they were in union with God, having their names written in heaven was inevitable.

Sometimes in our lives it is hard to see or feel God’s presence, especially when things are hard like the loss of a job, an unexpected medical diagnosis or the loss of a loved one. We might truly feel alone, that God has abandoned us.

However, we need to remember that often God has a different path for us, one that feels impossible because we must leave so much behind. One that makes us feel alone, but know this, we are never alone. We are never alone.  On our path through life God is always by our side. (From Canon Sidney Chambers, vicar of Grantchester)

Jesus doesn’t send us out alone.  That is why the Christian community is so important.  Christ comes to us through the hands and feet of others, our companions.  When we are present with others, when we take the time to listen or just to sit with them, we share the love of Jesus with them. 

And in doing so, we become Christ to them.  Conversely, sometimes it is we who need that listening heart or that gentle touch. 

So let’s offer Jesus this prayer, “I am yours, Everything I hope to be, you are all my heart will ever need.”

Blessings on your day.

Notes: Preached (Delivered) July 6, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Falun Wisconsin and Bethany Lutheran Church, Grantsburg Wisconsin

14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C Readings: Isaish 66:10-14, Psalm 66:1-9 Galatians 6:1-6, 7-16 Luke 10:1-11, 16-20