Equipment

Mar 6:8  He sent them off with these instructions: "Don't think you need a lot of extra 
equipment for this. You are the equipment. No special appeals for funds. Keep it 
simple. 

	It really must have been simple then. Before the Industrial Revolution and the 
Space Age, before the car, airplane, train, dishwasher, stereo, surround sound, movies, 
ipod, cordless drill, interactive computer, television, radio... to infinity, it must have 
really been super slow, without any of the distracting "conveniences". But, how in the 
world did they get anything done back then? Once the latest technology is learned and 
applied, it's like, "how could we have ever made it without this thing?" You know, like 
even something as simple as the toaster. Have you ever tried to toast bread without a 
toaster, somehow trying to carefully watch it brown in the electric or gas oven? (another 
"how'd we do without it" item) Kids are walking around with continual entertainment 
pumping in their ears. How bored and deprived must have been those poor children that 
never got to play a video game or watch the latest animation feature?
	There's obviously an endless list of examples to illustrate the great provision of 
"equipment" that's easily accessible today to accomplish almost any task. It's interesting, 
though, that as comparatively simple as things were at the time Jesus walked the earth, 
there was still a need to emphasize simplicity and removal of dependence on even the 
smallest items. The King James, in this verse from Mark, doesn't directly state this, but I 
love that The Message indicates what Jesus is really saying. By telling them to take 
nothing for their journey, He is implying that everything required has already been 
provided. They are the "equipment". They are the only "tool" needed for this project. 
Instead of providing them with a complete list of all the necessary items that would 
certainly be required to be a legitimate minister of the Gospel, He only let them take a 
walking stick. (sort of like Moses?) It could never be said that the most provisioned 
disciple was the most effective, because there was an even and equal playing field for all. 
There could never be diversion of dependence from anything other than what the Spirit 
provided, both for personal and spiritual resources. And, maybe the most affirming part, 
that the fullness of all that would bring life and peace and joy to a life in need of the 
Savior, was already packaged up inside each one of them, without need of any device or 
enhancement. Jesus was saying that they were the ultimate "all-in-one" tool. 
	Some of the coolest tools of today are the ones that don't appear to be all that 
complicated, but are packed with potential, like the Ipod or the cell phone. At first glance, 
there is just a small device with very few buttons or switches. But, if you really want to 
utilize all its potential, you're in for a bit of a learning curve. Sure, it's possible to just 
pick it up and begin using it right away, but there is so much more than meets the eye just 
waiting to become another "must have" feature. On a slightly larger scale is the personal 
computer, maybe the most underachieving tool of all. There is an incredible amount of 
capability inside a plain Jane box that, once utilized, may become the most needed and 
necessary. Though a few programs may be used extensively, there are yet an infinite 
amount of possibilities for the application of its processing power. 
	It is clearly an advantage to have certain things around when setting out to 
accomplish a certain task, (the disciples definitely needed the net to catch all those fish 
under Jesus' direction) but there is something most encouraging about what Jesus is 
saying in emphasizing simplicity. I believe He is saying there may not really be a need to 
wait until all the necessary items are acquired and applied until we can be effective in the 
kingdom. In allowing Jesus to come and abide within, we've become all that He needs to 
accomplish His purpose. The addition and refining of methods, plans, and devices is 
maybe not quite as important as learning to delve into the possibilities already within 
each of us. The impression that will be the greatest in actually leading people to the God's 
presence will be that impression made by the transformed heart and the liberated soul, 
rather than the extent of the items or devices surrounding that soul. When we look in the 
mirror while considering the enormous task of effective ministry, it may seem that we 
could use any and all equipment that might be available. If, however, we could just begin 
to tap into the power of what has already been given, in our spirit, mind, eyes, hands, 
feet, and ears, the life changing anointing of the Holy Spirit is present to accomplish His 
eternal purpose through us, in a way that the most advanced equipment alone could never 
achieve. 
	There may be a need to magnify and refine the presentation of our treasured 
relationship with the Master, but readily accessible right here and at this exact moment is 
all that is required to turn the world upside down with the message of the Gospel. It's just 
a matter of getting turned on and setting out in obedience to become an available and 
active tool in His hands. May the infinite power that lies within our simple human 
covering be given its opportunity to touch and change lives even today, through our 
simple obedience to go and be all the equipment He needs. 


1/16/06