Sheeps and wolves, snakes and doves

Sheeps and wolves, snakes and doves

Scripture:

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16

Observation:

In this passage, the Lord likens His disciples to sheep being sent out among wolves. He then further asks them to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. The imagery of sheep gives us the picture of innocent, helpless animals, dependent on their shepherd for provision and protection. On their own, they will quickly perish. Our attitude needs to be like sheep, depending on our Lord Jesus as our Great Shepherd. We need Him to guide us, to provide for us, to protect us.

Wolves on the other hand are pictured as predators. They are independent, cunning and vicious, showing no mercy to their victims. They can pretend to be friendly or meek, but all of a sudden devour you, as the proverbial Gingerbread man found out in the popular fairy tale of old.  The image of sheep among wolves is a frightening one, but Jesus wants His disciples to be aware that there are evil men lying in wait to attack and devour His precious ones.

Then comes the interesting reference to snakes and doves. How can one be like a snake and a dove at the same time? How interesting! Firstly, we are told to be as shrewd or as wise as snakes. Snakes, although deadly and a bane to men, have a reputation of being intelligent and cunning, back to the days of the Garden of Eden, when the snake deceived Eve.

The Lord does not want to us to go about His service blindly and thoughtlessly, but we are to be wise and discerning. If we are not wise, we are to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously to all without finding fault, as stated in James 1.

As for doves, we are called to be as harmless or as innocent as doves. The wisdom that we have is not a violent, ruthless wisdom. We carry love and peace with us, qualities reminiscent of the dove, which also represents the Holy Spirit.                                

Application:

In thinking of sheep, remember that we need to depend on our Lord Jesus totally as our Shepherd for our daily provision, protection and guidance. In thinking of wolves, we need to be aware that there are evil people in the world, so we need to be on guard and not blindly trust others without thinking or discerning. In thinking of snakes, we are to remember to ask God for wisdom and discernment so that we can become wise and serve God with godly wisdom and discerning. In thinking of doves, remember the Holy Spirit, and the love, peace and gentleness He represents. Ask Him to change our heart to show those qualities more and more in our lives.

Prayer:

Bless thee Father in Heaven. We are like sheep, helpless and harassed on our own. We need thee, Lord Jesus as our Shepherd to lead us in life, to guide us, to protect us, to provide for us. In You only will we trust. Grant us more and more wisdom each day, Heavenly Father, to be wise and discerning in our daily lives, and especially in Your service. Even in this wisdom O Lord, teach us to be peaceful and gentle and loving, turning others to You with choice words and kind hearts. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.