Luke 9:1-5

9Then Jesus* called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 3He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. 5Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’

Many of you know that I spent quite a bit of time in and out of Afghanistan prior to my ordination. I served in a variety of capacities, but one constant through all of those different roles is the security profile I had to take. Whenever we left the embassy we travelled in armored cars, with bulletproof vests and armed guards. Not exactly 'take nothing for your journey', right?

In contrast the Afghans who work with us, as interpreters or lawyers or advisors, showed up in taxis, with no body armor and often the only thing they had to protect their identity was a pair of sunglasses so that the Taliban couldn't identify them.

And now we have left them largely behind, with no staffs, or bags, or extra tunics, to fend for themselves against a violent and unstable regime. They need our prayers, our support and our hospitality when and if they are able to make it to the United States.

As they come to our towns, much like the disciples came, let us ensure that we don't turn our backs on them, so that they wipe the dust from their feet when they leave. These are indeed God's people, and it will be up to us decide whether we are God's people as well.