Sending Us Into Harms Way

6“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:16-20)

Thoughts:  The sad thing is that Jesus knew he was sending his best friends and best followers out like sheep among the wolves- into harm's way.  Yet, the message of love and life was more important.  More than that Jesus knew that any hurt they would incur would be temporary and even rewarded- for after the cross is the resurrection.  If we do not fear death, because we know it is not the last word, we do not need to fear life.   Jesus told them to be on their guard.  It is not that they should lock the doors or hire security guards because people oppose them (though he may not be against such measures), but that they should guard their hearts and even expect trouble.  Jesus said, "In this world you will have tribulation- but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world."
     Jesus also wanted them to be witnesses to the worldly authorities.  They did not need to rehearse lines or be overly concerned because their lives and suffering was a witness.  Holding onto their faith alone is a huge witness- more than words.  But Jesus also promised that the Spirit would speak through them as vessels of God (cf. John 16:13).  The Spirit speaks- especially in times of crisis.  It is then when our souls are especially attuned to Him, and we may have words we know we couldn't find on our own.   

Prayer: Lord, when I face hard times and crosses- speak through me.  Help me to honor you and be faithful to you, Lord.