Tuesday, October 20, 2015

20151020 SHEEP, WOLVES, SNAKES AND DOVES

SHEEP, WOLVES, SNAKES AND DOVES

Matthew 10:16-20 "Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.  (17)  But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues.  (18)  You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are My followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about Me.  (19)  When you are arrested, don't worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time.  (20)  For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Jesus doesn’t sugar coat the task set before us. “Sheep among wolves,” “flogged with whips,” “trial before governors and kings.” I’m not crazy about any of those things. And we are to face these things with wisdom and without harming anyone.

I believe the key here is once again trust. We are to see these trials as opportunities to tell others about Jesus and what He has done for them. We’re told, “don’t worry… God will give you the right words at the right time.”

The reason Jesus gives for the floggings and such is, “because you are My followers.” The whole reason for this blog is because John 8:31 Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, "You are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to My teachings…”

Ask yourself these questions. “Am I faithful to the teaching of Christ? If Christianity were made illegal in my country today would there be enough evidence to convict me?”


Father in heaven, grant us wisdom and grace. Protect us as we walk among wolves. May we walk so closely with You and in Your teachings that there is no question whether we are Your followers. Grant us the peace that comes with trusting You wholly even when we are persecuted. Speak through us as Jesus promised in this passage. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!

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