Luke 10-12: Hold on Lightly

When Jesus sent out the seventy-two he cautioned them to hold onto the things of this world lightly.
He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.  - Luke 10:2-4 NIV

'You will not necessarily be well received,' he told them, but that was not to affect their actions. "He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me."  (Luke 10:16)  Jesus was asking his followers to be him in the world, to be the light, to let the Holy Spirit guild them.  They could face their accusers with boldness because they did not have to defend themselves on their own. "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say." - Luke 12:11 NIV 

But none of this would be possible if they held on tightly to the things of the world.  The possessions and concerns of the world would rob them of what was most important.  "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."  - Luke 12:15 NIV

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. - Luke 12:29-31 NIV

There is only one way to go out into a dark and uncaring world.  It is to go, seeking the real kingdom, the kingdom of God.  To seek the healing and restoration that it provides.  The healed becoming the healers, the redeemed becoming the proclaimers of redemption.  In order to grasp the kingdom of God, you must hold on lightly to the things of this earth.