Matthew 10:16
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”
Jesus asks us to do the impossible. It is not realistic to be a sheep and survive in the midst of wolves. Wolves devour sheep. Wolves have strength and skill that sheep cannot overcome. Wolves look out for sheep because wolves live off the life of sheep. This world is full of wolves, and they are always looking for sheep to prey on. Yet, Jesus sends us into the world of wolves, not as wolves, but as defenseless and vulnerable sheep. Jesus does not say we should wait for the wolves to meet us, neither did He intend for us to hide from the wolves. Instead, Jesus sends us into “the midst of wolves.” On the surface, this is a death wish but praise God that He still works wonders.
How can we survive as sheep? First, be ever dependent on the Sender. Since Jesus is the One sending us, then He is obliged to watch over us as His sheep. Secondly, we must not act like wolves because wolves surround us. We are the sheep of God, and we must remain harmless and straightforward, despite the ferocity and viciousness that surrounds us. Finally, we must operate heavenly wisdom that will help us know what to do and how to behave in the midst of wolves.
“Lord, I don’t want to be a wolf, although I am often tempted to want to act like one for survival sake. I am not a wolf. You are the One sending me into the wolf packs. O Jesus, look out for me and teach me how to live and survive and minister to wolves. In Your name, I pray. Amen.”
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