April 23, 2012 (1 Samuel 27; Psalm 141; 1 Chronicles 9; Matthew 10)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16 NLT
Observation: Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. He said, “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel – God’s lost sheep.” Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Jesus said, “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves.” Jesus is sending His disciples out to the “church” of that day and clearly warns them they are like sheep going to proclaim the gospel to wolves.
Application: Things are not all that different today. Those whom Christ calls and sends out are like sheep proclaiming a gospel message of repentance to wolves. Sadly the “church” is still a great place to start proclaiming this message. But beware! The “church” is full of wolves that will reject the true gospel message and do their best to devour the sheep that are called to deliver this message of deliverance. Some of the meanest people I have ever came across, go to church on Sunday and profess with their mouths that they are a child of God. Yet their heart is far from Him and He does not really know them at all. They are wolves, dressed in sheep’s clothing, desiring to destroy the truth and deceive as many as possible while there is still time. Christ warned you, are you heeding His warning?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Thank You for Your faithfulness and unfailing love. Thank You for the warnings You provide in scripture, help me heed each one. Strengthen me to proclaim Your message with boldness, being sent out as a sheep among wolves. Teach me what it means to be shrewd, yet harmless in Jesus name, Amen!