Being Shrewd and Harmless ***

S. Matthew 10:16 – 33

O. Jesus gives directions to the Disciples before sending them out to spread the Good Word.

A. 

“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”

We must go into the world, daringly aware and mindful of all our actions and words. It is dangerous, but it is what we must do. Being harmless is not simple, but worth any effort. Using our awareness, we can be efficient and effective in all that we do. We must be as mindful and aware as possible.

“When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking – it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

When persecuted and in the seat of persecution, we must not be afraid. God will speak through us in these most difficult of moments. I’ve experienced this myself. When we’re out in public trying to spread forgiveness and mercy, the words come naturally from God. It’s amazing to let God speak through our words and actions, and it is possible. We need only focus on the message, that of forgiveness and mercy.

“Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master.”

This is a critical message. Jesus is the teacher; we can be just like him. We can sacrifice our life for the benefit of all of humanity. We truly can be as Jesus was and do as Jesus has done. It is within reach.

“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all . . . Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul.”

Once again, fear not. Fear interrupts our relationship with God and the Universe. I think the latter statement here is in reference to the Garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve ate from the other tree, they felt they had to cover themselves, hide who they are. We don’t need to hide any longer. We can be open without fear of persecution. This doesn’t mean we won’t experience pain and suffering at the hands of others, but we should not fear or shy away from that.

P. May I spread the message of forgiveness and mercy, fearing not persecution.