Jesus’ Marching Orders
I was apprehended by a little piece of advice in Jesus’ marching orders to his little platoon, “I am sending you like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16). I know we all get the dove part; that makes Sunday School sense. Very spiritual. But Shrewd as Snakes?? Yup! That is Jesus too.
It is a dangerous world. Jesus knew how vicious the wolves were and how fickle the crowds could be. He even went on to outline the opposition his disciples would encounter: Religious Persecution (10:17), Governmental Persecution (10:18-20) and Cultural Persecution (10:21-31). Do not forget—these were the days of the coliseums and crosses and wolves in sheep’s clothing.
We too have dangers to navigate today. Is it any wonder Jesus commends being Snake Smart? Meaning– Shrewd. Not gullible. Not naïve. Not taken in by every conspiracy theory. Not having our head in the sand. Street smart. Wise. Even cunning in the good sense of the word.
It might not sound very Christian but “shrewd as snakes” is in our training manual. Do not opt for shrewd or innocent. Choose both.
Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures. Michael does life with his wonderful wife Donna and resides in Mandeville, LA. His motto is “Bet the Farm on God.” You can find more information about Michael here.
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