Wealth and success do not equal favour or special status with God. The nation thought that with their prosperity assured they no longer needed God and certainly did not need to heed God's commandments. Of course, they were to learn the hard way, by experiencing the collapse of everything. There is no substitute for leading an upright and holy life, for God is not mocked.

In our own times, the so-called "prosperity gospel" - the "health and wealth gospel," or "name it and claim it" - is one such attempt by some Christians who think that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the Will of God for faithful believers. They want to manipulate God for one's own ends and to equate wealth and health with divine favour.

On the other hand, the Twelve Apostles were called and sent out on mission with absolutely nothing. They were to rely on God's providence. There was urgency in their mission - the time was short, and the word had to be proclaimed. If their teaching was rejected, they were to move on. They were to go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel at this stage in the ministry of Jesus. After the Resurrection, their mission would be to make disciples of all nations. We are challenged in our own time to "travel lightly" and to be on the move in our ministries and expressions of faith.