Wisdom and innocence
by Carolyn Ehrlich
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Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16).
Read Matthew 10:16–23
I grew up on a farm. The damage that wild dogs inflict on domestic stock is vicious, cruel, ugly, heartbreaking, shocking and life-taking. Livestock that survive carry the scars for a lifetime.
Jesus knows that the world is a wild and dangerous place. He instructed his disciples to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Snakes are dangerous, too. Although frequently associated with evil, they have a keen awareness of danger. They can move away quickly to hide in plain sight.
So, what does it look like to be as wise as serpents? In Proverbs 9:10, we learn that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This does not mean being afraid. Instead, it means being deeply respectful, reverent and in awe of God’s power and authority, which ultimately leads us to love him. Being wise as serpents then means being alert, discerning and cautious, keeping a sharp mind, and staying relevant in your environment. It means staying close to Jesus and being in relationship with him. So, we can be wise as serpents when we stick close to Jesus, his teaching, and God’s word and promises.
Then Jesus asks his disciples to be innocent as doves. We imagine doves as gentle, pure, honest, peaceful, pleasing and engaging. They are able to take flight and move above the earthiness of the ground. The combination of images of serpents and doves speaks to attributes of the character of Jesus’ disciples. Gentle and alert; pure and sharp-minded; honest and relevant; engaging and cautious; pleasant and discerning. I can’t imagine these qualities are possible without continually walking with Jesus. Not an intermittent walk, not an ‘only-on-Sundays’ walk, but a close, personal, intimate journey of many steps with a loving, protective Saviour.
What does that close, personal, intimate journey look like to you? How do you imagine Jesus? For me, Jesus is a battle-hardened warrior who lovingly and gently takes his troops and leads them. Amid the wolves, he leads, and I follow. In our love for and trust in Jesus, his wisdom and innocence are skilfully brought together as we go about the work he has directed us to do.
Jesus, you send your disciples out, directing us to be wise and innocent at the same time. We can only do this because you love us. Thank you that you love me. Thank you for taking care of me. Teach me to be wise and innocent. Please show me what you would have me do in the situations that I am in today. Guide and protect me. Keep me safe. Thank you, my Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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