- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
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"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16
This world can be a jungle - even in Essex! Seven foxes have been keeping me awake at night, raiding bins and persecuting local pets and wildlife. They are cunning, vicious and noisy. When I hear them, I get our cat, Pixie, safely inside. I certainly don't send her out knowing the lurking danger.
It's strange therefore, that Jesus should send His disciples out like vulnerable defenceless sheep, amongst prowling wolves. Isn't this odd behaviour for a Good Shepherd? Yet, the disciples obviously trusted Him.
So far Jesus' instructions had been exciting. Now it was crunch time! In venturing out, the disciples would share similar dangers to their Master. Jesus urges them to be wise like snakes, but also pure like doves. Innocence doesn't exclude shrewd carefulness. In other words, they shouldn't seek martyrdom, but discern when they are required to flee, struggle, or make a sacrifice.
Earlier this week, I mentioned that the Jewish people were likened to wandering sheep without a shepherd. In this context the 'wolves' would be non-Jews, but now Jesus includes the religious leaders and His other opponents. Despite being vulnerable prey in this world's jungle, however, all Christ's witnesses will ultimately be protected and rewarded in heaven. The great preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, said, 'There are no crown wearers in heaven who were not cross bearers here below.'
Good Shepherd, may I be a pure and wise disciple and know your protection from evil as I seek to spread the good news. Amen.
This world can be a jungle - even in Essex! Seven foxes have been keeping me awake at night, raiding bins and persecuting local pets and wildlife. They are cunning, vicious and noisy. When I hear them, I get our cat, Pixie, safely inside. I certainly don't send her out knowing the lurking danger.
It's strange therefore, that Jesus should send His disciples out like vulnerable defenceless sheep, amongst prowling wolves. Isn't this odd behaviour for a Good Shepherd? Yet, the disciples obviously trusted Him.
So far Jesus' instructions had been exciting. Now it was crunch time! In venturing out, the disciples would share similar dangers to their Master. Jesus urges them to be wise like snakes, but also pure like doves. Innocence doesn't exclude shrewd carefulness. In other words, they shouldn't seek martyrdom, but discern when they are required to flee, struggle, or make a sacrifice.
Earlier this week, I mentioned that the Jewish people were likened to wandering sheep without a shepherd. In this context the 'wolves' would be non-Jews, but now Jesus includes the religious leaders and His other opponents. Despite being vulnerable prey in this world's jungle, however, all Christ's witnesses will ultimately be protected and rewarded in heaven. The great preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, said, 'There are no crown wearers in heaven who were not cross bearers here below.'
Good Shepherd, may I be a pure and wise disciple and know your protection from evil as I seek to spread the good news. Amen.
