December 19
WISE AS A SERPENT
-Matthew 10:16 states, … Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be therefore wise as
serpents, and harmless as doves …
-Those who are truly sent to preach the gospel are characterized as sheep going forth in the midst of wolves.
As well, we are told to be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Let us consider this metaphoric statement that comes from
the lips of Jesus. Jesus speaks of: SHEEP, WOLVES, SERPENTS, AND DOVES.
-The servants of the Lord who are truly sent forth with the message of truth in their mouths are characterized
as sheep. They are to be seen as such, for they are to go forth in meekness, being willing to lay down their lives for the
cause of Christ. This can be seen from 2nd Timothy 2:24,25 as the apostle addresses Timothy. It states, …
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those
that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; …
-As we go forth as sheep, we will find ourselves in the midst of ravenous, religious, and self-righteous wolves.
These “wolves” are Christians who are ever learning, but never coming to the knowledge of the truth. They point
their fingers at others, constantly quoting scriptures to bring condemnation, having absolutely no idea of the true meaning
of the scriptures that they quote. These are the very people that we must approach in meekness and in wisdom.
-As we look at the times in scripture that Jesus found Himself dealing with the religious hypocrites of His
day, we will see and understand why He told us to be wise as serpents. Jesus referred to the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes
as SERPENTS. In order to deal with a serpent we must be as wise as that serpent. The only difference is that we are to be
as harmless as a dove. Those who would be considered Pharisees in this day and age are no different. They mean to harm the
people they are attacking with their venom of self-righteousness. They seek to make others look foolish, while they themselves
look to gain the praises of men, especially in public.
-On the other hand, the true servant of God is meek, being just as wise as the serpent that he is dealing with.
He means the serpent no harm. His only true goal is to correct the serpent in love.
-THAT IS THE TRUE LOVE OF GOD!-
