Discernment
Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
To me this is a reminder to use discernment when we are sent to be Jesus' disciples. Discernment is acuteness of judgement and understanding. I believe some people have this naturally and others of us do not. I believe Jesus was reminding his disciples how to act because some of them were more naturally bent toward being savvy while others may have a more gentle, gullible side. Perhaps the way he paired them had something to do with their level of discernment, we do not know. What we do know is this time Jesus was sending his disciples to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel". So, why would he charge his disciples to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves? Why is he saying he's sending them into the midst of wolves?
Does this have anything in common with our ministry among the religious crowd of church goers? What about me as the leader of a Christian school? What is Jesus saying to me? Are there those who are among us who we need this same discernment with when we share our experiences of walking closely with Jesus with them? What is our command from Jesus? In vs 7 he tells the disciples to preach saying "The kingdom of heaven is at hand" Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. So much to think about in this very short passage. I am interested in what you all are thinking.
I wrote about this very verse in my journal as well. Strong's suggest that the part of being wise as serpents to mean having a sharpness of vision. I do not know the hearts of the people I come across each day. I pray for discernment but unfortunately have been taken advantage of by some. I think of a snake in the grass always so watchful and quick to react when needed. But when we react, we are called to love, the nonthreatening dove. These are just some thoughts that I had. I am still chewing on them as well.
ReplyDeleteBonita, that is good insight. I like that sharpness of vision. Whether that vision is right in front of my face or the vision of what God has called me to do and not to become short sighted. I am also working on my responses to be just that, loving responses instead of instant reactions! Thank you for spurring me on!
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