Wednesday, April 10, 2019
“Look, I’m sending you as sheep among wolves. Therefore, be wise as snakes and innocent as doves.” ~Matthew 10:16
The life of discipleship can be difficult and dangerous. Being like Jesus; loving, forgiving, including and reconciling are often seen as a threat to those who are not yet believers and those in powerful positions. Just like in Jesus’ day, he was viewed as a threat because he brought a new way of life and a new way of thinking to the people. The leaders of the city certainly did not want to see an end to their extravagant way of life. The city leaders of Jerusalem and of religious leaders of the Temple knew that they needed to put a stop to Jesus and His ministry, if they were to succeed in keeping their way of life prosperous. As they devised a plan to rid themselves of Jesus and His followers, Jesus was preparing his disciples for a life that was anything but comfortable. Jesus did not soften his words or paint a pretty picture of life here on earth, he told them straight, they would be like sheep among wolves.
Luke 10:3, “Go you way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.”
Acts 20:29, (Paul speaking)“I know that, after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and won’t spare the flock.”
As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we must not be naive to the world and the ways in which satan will attempt to distract us. To be wise means to be purposeful, discerning, attentive, thoughtful and with regards to innocence, we must not use the same tactics that satan uses, like violence, coercion, manipulation, envy or jealousy to get our way. The easy thing to do is to react and strike back, as in an eye for an eye but what did Jesus tell us to do? “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you that you must not oppose those who want to hurt you. If people slap you on your right cheek, you must turn the left cheek to them as well.” ~Matthew 5:38-39. Jesus tells us to act differently, not to REACT, but to LOVE.
Our preparation, our discipleship is rooted in community, relationship and connection to ourselves, our neighbors, our church, our friends, and most importantly, God!
Moving forward, we shed our old self and put on newness of life in Jesus, being Jesus in the world. Lord, help us to be attentive and allow the challenges and struggles of discipleship to made us more like Jesus.
Breath Prayer: In struggle,…make me wise and innocent.
~Peace~
References:
https://deltastatement.com/4113/archives/fall-2017/taking-road-less-traveled/
HOPE SEEKER 
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