Being Snakelike

Scripture: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16

Observation: Of all things, Jesus tells the 12 disciples to be like snakes. Snakes are typically a symbol of Satan, and certainly Jesus is not telling the disciples to be evil! Also, 'shrewd' is typically a synonym of cunning but often related to spending. How might snakes be seen a shrewd?

-- They do not carry anything with them, even having no arms.
-- They care for their nest - what is theirs.
-- They are effective in manner, striking quickly but only when necessary.
-- They are efficient in body, not wasting energy on their own warmth but relying upon the sun.

Application: I'll be honest ... I have been ponding this verse for almost an hour, and cannot come up with what it might really mean, let alone how to apply it. Again, Jesus cannot be telling the disciples to be evil, and he cannot be telling them to harm others, or connive, or withhold monetary blessings.

However, in the full context - also calling them sheep and doves - this is the one metaphorical animal he uses that tells them to protect themselves. While being innocent like a dove, they need to be careful ... move carefully, stay away from harm, be wise in how you spend your energy and resources, take care of yourself too.

Christians are in the world - a world full of wolves and those that would do us harm. Some try to lead us astray, some criticize, and some actively seek to harm us. We are to be gentle and kind, but we are not to be victims. When necessary, we need to move away, hide by stealth, care for and protect each other, and all the while relying upon God's provision to aid us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I honestly do not know if I have understood your word today. However, every day your words still peak my interest as I find something new in passages I have read many times. Please stay with me on my journey as I seek your truth in your word.