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\ / WHAT JESUS DID! -- http://www.heartlight.org/
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Sunday, May 3, 2009
Snakes & Doves
"Listen! I am sending you, and you will be like sheep among
wolves. So be smart like snakes. But also be like doves and
do nothing wrong.
-- Matthew 10:16 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
After introducing us to the reality that not everyone will accept the
good message of the Kingdom, Jesus now prepares us for how difficult
that rejection will be. There will be some who have a benign attitude
that ignores the message. But others will have a malignant and vengeful
attitude toward the Gospel and those who share it. How vicious? Jesus'
followers will be like sheep hunted by a den of wolves. (Matt. 10:16)
In such circumstances, two qualities are not only essential; they are
commanded. Jesus' followers are to be bright, inciteful, strategic,
smart, clever, and wise. In other words, we won't stupidly muddle
through when opposed. We do not want to bring unnecessary shame or
hardship on ourselves, the cause of Christ, or Jesus' people. Second,
even if we are hounded, criticized, and despised, let's make sure we
are a people of character, peace, and purity. Clearly the apostle Peter
got the message, because a reading of 1 Peter teaches us how to
practically live out what Jesus teaches here: purity and prudence in a
hostile world in which we live as witnesses to Jesus Christ and his
Kingdom.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Give me wisdom, please dear God, to face those who despise your name,
your cause, your message, and your people. Help me not to become like
those who hate me and your cause. Instead, create in me a pure heart
that I might know and live your ways in witness to those who do not
know you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
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>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/0503-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+10:16&sr=1&t=erv
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