RTW 2024

Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.

Matthew 10:16

There is a cost to serving the Kingdom, no matter how great or small the assignment.

“Jesus taught His followers that, to be Christlike in a godless world, they must combine the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of the dove.” - Gotquestions.org

The world is hostile, and at many times hateful. (Jesus is clear about the possibility of impending danger.)

Our instructions are to be: 

• A serpent is sneaky, crafty, and shrewd 
• A dove is pure and innocent.

Jesus was the perfect example of both a serpent and a dove.

• Kind
• Pure
• Gentle
• Wise
• Shrewd
• Sneaky? I think so.
• Clear intentions

Striking the balance between these opposites requires dependency and submission to the Spirit’s prompting.

But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
Matthew 10:17 (NKJV)

I don’t know how I’ve missed this all these years, but Jesus is clearly telling the disciples that the wolves in this simile are men. 

How telling is this for today in the cancel and critical culture we live in today. God’s Word is so relevant… at all times, in every season. 

These opposites are intimidating to me. I really need to pray that God will act on today’s teachings.