All We Need

“Absolutely ridiculous,” said someone on Twitter. “Pretty sure that if you are isolated for 17 days and your kettle packs in, you should be able to buy a new one.” Kettles were just one of many items considered non-essential during the October 2020 fire-breaker lockdown in Wales. Shops weren’t allowed to sell things that many people consider to be basic necessities, such as clothes, toiletries and baby products.

When Jesus sent out His disciples to preach in the surrounding towns, He also told them not to take things that, at first glance, sound pretty essential. He said: “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals” (Luke 10:3–4). They were embarking on a dangerous mission, yet they couldn’t take money, supplies, food or spare clothing. We might think His instructions seem a little extreme.

In this, Jesus was teaching His disciples a key lesson that we too will keep relearning every day. If we have Him, we have everything we need—only Jesus is truly essential.

Jesus wants to draw our focus away from the things we think we have to have. Instead, He wants us to put all our faith, confidence and hope in Him. When we do, we—like those first disciples—will find Him to be utterly and wonderfully faithful. He is all we need. Chris Wale - Daily Bread