Wear Sandals But Not An Extra Tunic

Well shoes! How many pairs do you have? I have every day easy to walk in ones, gardening ones, smart ones, flip flops and a few pairs of boots and quite a few that I don’t wear anymore but I can’t bring myself to part with. This pales into insignificance compared with Jordan Michael Geller, an American sneaker collector who founded and operated the ShoeZeum, the world's first sneaker museum. In 2012, Geller was certified by Guinness World Records for having the largest sneaker collection in the world, at 2,388 pairs. Ariana, Dakota and Dresden Peters, known online as The Chicks With Kicks, recently lifted the veil on their colossal collection. With over 6000 pairs!

Mark 6: 8-9 - “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.  Wear sandals but not an extra tunic.” In biblical times the sandal consisted simply of a sole of wood or leather attached to the foot by straps and thongs. Obviously necessary when walking on rough paths in a very hot climate, so these instructions are immensely practical. You can find many references to sandals in the bible, from Boaz to John the Baptist.

But it’s not just about what to take but what not to take, this is a mission trip, their first one without Him. Jesus has given them authority over sickness, demons, and even death (Matthew 10:8). So why no spare tunic? The Greek root word translated "tunic" is chiton and refers to an undergarment worn next to the skin under a cloak. It is what the soldiers threw lots for at the crucifixion (John 19:23). Taking two would ensure sufficient warmth at night, but Jesus intends for them to stay in homes (Mark 6:10). They are to rely on hospitality of others. This has long been a tradition in many cultures and monastic communities and maybe it’s something we have lost in our ordered closed door western society.

I’m challenged by these verses, are my feet ready to go where Jesus sends me, am I ready to share the good news each day, as Paul writes in Ephesians 6: 15 “with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”? If I’m honest then no, I don’t give it as much thought and prayer as I should. It’s something I need to work on, trusting that Jesus will show me where He wants me to be. As I write this I am thinking of the lovely song “I the Lord of sea and sky” and I want to make this my prayer. It’s very challenging!

Here’s a link if you would like to listen, the words are below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6fYAiqV-Bs

I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save
I have made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart

I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide
'Til their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
I will hold Your people in my heart