To Be or Not to Be, That is the Question: Be Wise and Be Innocent at the Same Time. Part Two

Let’s go back to Matthew 10 and look at one of the ‘BEES’. “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Verse 16) For now, we’ll start with the ‘Be Wise’ part. We’ve already talked about why the LORD was sending them out last time. We also discussed, briefly, what they could expect once they got out there. One thing I did not mention was that HE was sending them out as sheep. I know that some folks only want to see the negative aspect of being sheep, such as the ‘Herd Mentality’ concept. That is the idea of following along with a crowd who follows the wrong shepherd. But JESUS is talking directly to HIS disciples who follow HIS leadership as their SHEPHERD. So, this is not the negative aspect of being sheep. What HE wants them, and us, to do is BE WISE sheep, NOT Ignorant sheep. If you want to get an excellent view of wisdom, read the Proverbs. Though they are not the same thing, wisdom is often associated with knowledge in Scripture. It is difficult to have Godly wisdom if we don’t have Godly knowledge. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask GOD, WHO gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Did James tell us that the only way to get wisdom was through prayer? First, he mentions, IF you LACK wisdom. The subjunctive there would indicate that not everyone lacks wisdom, just IF you lack wisdom. If you have Godly wisdom, where did it come from? You have it because you obtained it from GOD. If you lack it, then get it from GOD. GOD gives wisdom generously. Is it a miraculous gift? I don’t think that’s what James is saying. GOD offers us WILL. HE has given of HIS Knowledge, but HE does not cram it into our heads. Think about that this week. I’m out of space, so we’ll continue next time. Stay tuned.

Russell Ashby