“Stay alert. This is hazardous work I’m assigning you. You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don’t call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove. Don’t be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation—just because you believe in me. Don’t be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they’ve done you—and me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.”
Matthew 10:16-20 MSG – A verse of the day from the Bible presented in Eugene Peterson’s contemporary version called The Message. Accompanied by a personal reflection below.
So, listen up, folks, this is Jesus telling you how you ought to shape your personality into that of a person who is sharp and alert, not one who is dim-witted and clueless. Did you hear? Yes, Jesus says to be “cunning as a snake” and “inoffensive as a dove”. And just so you don’t get stuck on those analogies and let your imagination run away with you on all the other qualities of those two creatures that you could possibly also assume, Jesus makes it quite clear as to what he means. Read on to seek clarification, gentle reader, and pause to recognize how relevant and timely this advice is for you and me.
