Daily Dose 1-14-11

Matthew 10:16-17a “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard…”

When Jesus spoke, He was never thinking just of that moment or just those He was addressing…He spoke for ALL to hear. The apostles were entering communities where people knew about a Messiah to come. They had an image of what he would look like, and it didn’t look like Jesus – there was sure to be resistance. Jesus warned them – as He does us – to be on guard. He was concerned for their safety, but He was also concerned about their mission. In order to be effective messengers of the Messiah, they had to be wise to the ways of the world and respond appropriately. Our situation is different. The early Jews had envisioned a powerful, political figure as their Messiah. In our circles today, most people see Jesus as loving kindness, gentle and wise, willing to help or serve. Every day we move through different communities of people through work, school, associations or just those we bump into in everyday occurrences. Why do many people resist or reject Jesus today? They have an image of what He should look like and how He would react. When they see people around them who profess to be Christians, yet act no differently than others, they choose to remain without Jesus. When people see you, do they see their “vision” of Jesus?

Father, Help me today to have open eyes for opportunities to share my faith with Your lost ones. Give me wisdom to avoid any snares satan may put in my way. Help me respond in gentleness to any challenges so that others may be drawn to Jesus through me. Amen