Matthew 10:16-22 - I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves

Scripture Matthew 10:16-22
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.


Comment
Who are the wolves we are up against today?

Are they those who ridicule us when we stand up for refugees, or howl us down when we criticise the government for their lack of compassion.

We don't know what it's like to live in an occupied country, though we see images of this on our television screens every day.

But we do know what it's like to live in a country that sets the economy above justice and spending on defence ahead of caring for the poor and underprivileged.

We may not be brought before heads of government, as Jesus predicted would happen to the apostles, but we may need to bring ourselves to the notice of the decision-makers if we are to follow the lead of Jesus and speak out when we see injustice in our society.

Jesus says, 'Don't worry about how to speak'. The Spirit will give us the words to speak.

All we need is faith!

Source: Daily Prayer Online