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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