Faith Test
Matthew 10:16 I am
sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and
as innocent as doves.
SCRIPTURE consistently portrays God as a good shepherd who
will “lead me beside still waters” (Psalm 23) and who “lays down his life for
his sheep” (John 10). Then do these words from Matthew 10:16 contradict the
Good Shepherd’s care? After all, Jesus tells his “sheep” they will be among
wolves. Why would a good shepherd give such instruction? Why wouldn’t Jesus destroy
the predators before the sheep go out?
We don’t know all of
God’s ways, but we can begin to understand Jesus’ words when we understand that
God invariably tests our faith through trial. Jesus taught, “Blessed are those
who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 5:10) and “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever
loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35)
In these words
Jesus is telling his followers, “You will face the wolves. Be ready.” The
Father tested the Son in the desert and to the cross. Now the Son warns his
disciples of tests to come.
Jesus urged his
disciples to face those trials by being as “shrewd as snakes”. They needed to grow
in wisdom of God’s truths and to protect themselves to slip away snake-like in
time of danger.
With the phrase “innocent
as doves” Jesus directs the disciples to be as holy as possible. Jesus’ disciples
would be accused of many things, but they must never be accused of sin.
Jesus knows many
disciples will be martyrs. He also knows their ministry of such great faith
even to the death is the beginning of drawing the world into his eternal sheep
pen.
LIFE Link: Be prepared for your faith test.
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