Bridgebuilders: Peaceful Reliance // Rev. Michele Arndt // June 21 2026

One of the fun things about the Bible is that it is full of little sayings we throw around in everyday conversation without even realizing where they came from. This week, we will spend some time in Luke 10 which has not one - but two! - of these sayings. If you've ever referred to "a wolf in sheep's clothing" or "shaking the dust off your feet", you're squarely in Luke 10 territory.We find Jesus sending out the disciples in pairs with specific instructions. The mission at hand is urgent, so Jesus tells them to pack light - not even an extra pair of sandals! Don't dilly dally along the way. The message the disciples are entrusted with is this: "The Kingdom is near." And in the middle of it all, Jesus warns the disciples that they will find themselves like a lamb among wolves. In other words, they will be vulnerable. At the same time, he says not to linger if their message isn't well-received.Sometimes we can feel like it's up to us to build the kingdom, but this passage will remind us that our work is mostly to prepare the soil where it will land. What does it mean for us to recognize the nearness of the kingdom in our own communities? And how do we join Jesus in preparing others to receive it? Strap on your favorite summer sandals and join us this Sunday as we take our marching orders from Jesus and the disciples.