Key Passage
"Listen! I am sending you, and you will be like sheep among wolves. So be smart like snakes. But also be like doves and do nothing wrong."
— Matthew 10:16 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
After introducing us to the reality that not everyone will accept the good message of the Kingdom, Jesus now prepares us for how difficult that rejection will be. There will be some who have a benign attitude that ignores the message. But others will have a malignant and vengeful attitude toward the Gospel and those who share it. How vicious? Jesus' followers will be like sheep hunted by a den of wolves (Matthew 10:16). In such circumstances, two qualities are not only essential; they are commanded. Jesus' followers are to be bright, insightful, strategic, smart, clever, and wise. In other words, we won't stupidly muddle through when opposed. We do not want to bring unnecessary shame or hardship on ourselves, the cause of Christ, or Jesus' people. Second, even if we are hounded, criticized, and despised, let's make sure we are a people of character, peace, and purity. Clearly the apostle Peter got the message, because a reading of 1 Peter teaches us how to practically live out what Jesus teaches here: purity and prudence in a hostile world in which we live as witnesses to Jesus Christ and his Kingdom.
Prayer
Give me wisdom, please dear God, to face those who despise your name, your cause, your message, and your people. Help me not to become like those who hate me and your cause. Instead, create in me a pure heart that I might know and live your ways in witness to those who do not know you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
All the believers have heard that you obey. So I am very happy because of you. But I want you to be wise about the things that are good. And I want you to know nothing about things that are evil. The God that brings peace will soon defeat Satan (the devil) and give you power over him. The grace (kindness) of our Lord Jesus be with you.
— Romans 16:19-20
Do everything without complaining or arguing. Then you will be innocent and without anything wrong in you. You will be God's children without fault. But you are living with evil people all around you who have become very bad. Among those people you shine like lights in the dark world. You offer those people the teaching that gives life. So I can be happy when Christ comes again. I can be happy because my work was not wasted. I ran in the race and won.
— Philippians 2:14-16
We pray that the Lord will make your love grow. We pray that he will give you more and more love for each other and for all people. We pray that you will love all people like we love you. We pray this so that your hearts will be made strong. Then you will be holy and without fault before our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy people.
— 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
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"Listen! I am sending you, and you will be like sheep among wolves. So be smart like snakes. But also be like doves and do nothing wrong."
— Matthew 10:16 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
After introducing us to the reality that not everyone will accept the good message of the Kingdom, Jesus now prepares us for how difficult that rejection will be. There will be some who have a benign attitude that ignores the message. But others will have a malignant and vengeful attitude toward the Gospel and those who share it. How vicious? Jesus' followers will be like sheep hunted by a den of wolves (Matthew 10:16). In such circumstances, two qualities are not only essential; they are commanded. Jesus' followers are to be bright, insightful, strategic, smart, clever, and wise. In other words, we won't stupidly muddle through when opposed. We do not want to bring unnecessary shame or hardship on ourselves, the cause of Christ, or Jesus' people. Second, even if we are hounded, criticized, and despised, let's make sure we are a people of character, peace, and purity. Clearly the apostle Peter got the message, because a reading of 1 Peter teaches us how to practically live out what Jesus teaches here: purity and prudence in a hostile world in which we live as witnesses to Jesus Christ and his Kingdom.
Prayer
Give me wisdom, please dear God, to face those who despise your name, your cause, your message, and your people. Help me not to become like those who hate me and your cause. Instead, create in me a pure heart that I might know and live your ways in witness to those who do not know you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
All the believers have heard that you obey. So I am very happy because of you. But I want you to be wise about the things that are good. And I want you to know nothing about things that are evil. The God that brings peace will soon defeat Satan (the devil) and give you power over him. The grace (kindness) of our Lord Jesus be with you.
— Romans 16:19-20
Do everything without complaining or arguing. Then you will be innocent and without anything wrong in you. You will be God's children without fault. But you are living with evil people all around you who have become very bad. Among those people you shine like lights in the dark world. You offer those people the teaching that gives life. So I can be happy when Christ comes again. I can be happy because my work was not wasted. I ran in the race and won.
— Philippians 2:14-16
We pray that the Lord will make your love grow. We pray that he will give you more and more love for each other and for all people. We pray that you will love all people like we love you. We pray this so that your hearts will be made strong. Then you will be holy and without fault before our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy people.
— 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
Dweryall, we're here for you. Remember, God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and can turn hearts (Proverbs 21:1). Keep trusting, stay committed. Let's pray for God's will and your husband's heart to turn to Him and your marriage. 
In Jesus' name!
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