Today's Bible Reading Portion: Matthew 10:1-23
Read Matthew 10 Here --> ESV, KJV
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." - Matthew 10:16
Jesus knew that His followers would encounter fierce resistance in the world, so He immediately made sure and explained of what it meant to be His servant.
When Jesus told the Twelve to be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves, He laid down a general principle about the technique of kingdom work.
He told them that persecution and betrayal would come from unexpected places and all kinds of people, even family and friends!
As we take the gospel to a hostile world, we must be wise by avoiding the snares set for us, and we must be innocent, by serving the Lord blamelessly.
Jesus was not suggesting that we stoop to deception but that we should model some of the serpent’s famous cunningness in a positive way.
Wisdom does not equal dishonesty, and innocence does not equal gullibility.
Even though we will face persecution in our mission to follow and obey Christ, He encourages us not to fear:
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” - Matthew 10:28–31.
Therefore, keep on relying on God's word and His way. He will lead us with His wisdom and righteousness. We don't have to worry but pray, be shrewd, wise, innocent, blameless and lead the way Jesus asks us to do. He is our shepherd which means He is our protection and peace. God Bless.
PRAYER:
Dear God,
I give you my all. Please lead me into your path of wisdom, righteousness and purity. When persecution strikes strengthen me with your word and courage. I rely on your plans, you lead the way. You are my shepherd and I trust you. In Jesus name, Amen.
REFLECT: How can you share God's word with wisdom?
If you missed reading the Daily Devotion for Matthew 9:36-38 Go Here. God Bless.
Please feel free to Comment below. Thanks. God bless.
Daily Devotion Written by: Team I Love Psalms
One Year Reading through The New Testament Plan - This is the Bible App Plan, which we started this year, January 1st, 2023 and ends on December 31st, 2023. This plan helps us to read through the entire New testament. Here is the link: BIBLE APP if you want to join us, but it has a limit to only 150 participants. In case, you missed joining and being part of our circle, we post Daily Devotion Written by: Team I Love Psalms sharing from each New Testament chapters all year through (365 Days). You can read them here and start your Devotion with us, so you won't miss out with us at all. Once you read through the chapters for each day, you are more than welcome to share your thoughts and comments below to encourage each other daily. Thank you. God bless.
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