“Sent out on mission for Christ”
In sending out His disciples on mission to share the Good News, heal, and deliver people from demons, Jesus said ….
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves,” Mt 10:16.
We are all missionaries for Jesus Christ. As His sheep (followers) we are meant to replicate His behaviour, which is to tell of the Kingdom and heal. But have you ever thought about Jesus sending us out like sheep among wolves? Wolves hunt down and kill sheep! Jesus is trying to tell us that being His representative on earth is not an easy job. It’s not for the faint-hearted! There are people in the world who detest Christianity and will go to great lengths to destroy the church.
Therefore, Jesus says, be as shrewd as snakes. In Genesis 3, Satan is described as a “snake” or serpent. Jesus is not telling us to be evil like him, and full of deception, but rather, to be strategic. Satan knew what God was about, and he knew what people were about, and he formed strategies around that. So, once we establish what mission field God is sending each of us to, we first need to suss out the situation. Where is the need? What are the objections likely to be? How will I deal with them? What resources do I need to be effective for Christ? What is my timeframe?
And through all our missional activities Jesus sends us out to be as innocent as doves, full of Holy Spirit goodness and love. So…..to our mission field we go, full of love, hope, peace, and joy. In Christ, we can, and we must. Mission is no longer just an overseas venture. Your mission field could be your place of employment, recreational group, interest group, or neighbourhood. Where is God sending you?
About Pastor Julie
I’m passionate about the church – building believers up in their faith, to be all God intended them to be; and I’m passionate about sharing the love and hope of Jesus with people who don’t know Him yet.