Reading: Matthew 10, 1 Samuel 18-19 and Psalm 59
Scripture: Matthew 10:16, "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Observation: I love the visuals that Jesus used in this passage. First calling us sheep as he does refer to us as throughout his life. Sheep are some of the dumbest and defenseless animals in the world and we are being told that is who we are. One of the primary predators of these dumb sheep are wolves. Then in Geneses it says that the serpent was the craftiest of all animals, and to be crafty gives a feeling of intelligence and knowledge. Finally he brings up the doves they are considered clean and pure due to their white feathers and represent peace.
Application: Being that we are called dumb defenseless in comparison to the wolves we are bing sent into, I feel like I am being told that we are to become more like the serpent in being crafty. As we go out into the world especially in the USA, if we go out just starting off every conversation with a hell fire and brimstone sermon people are just going to walk away but if we come into the situation and meet these people where they are then we can share with them God’s love. I feel that the mention on the dove is a reminder to us that we are spotless in the eyes of God but we need to be innocent of judgment when we are reaching out to others, Judgment and condemnation will only serve to drive people away from God and that is the brush that the Church has been painted with over the years.
Prayer: Father I thank you for all that you have done the blessings and the provisions that you pour out on us each day. I am amazed by the love you pour out on us each day. I lift up all your servants and sons and daughters as we go out into the world full of wolves and ask that you help us to be crafty and innocent as your sone called us to be.
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