Wise As Serpents – 2
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We quoted Jesus’ admonishment to His disciples when He was sending them out in the devotional on Saturday entitled “Wise As Serpents”. The text was from Matthew 10:16, and said,
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
In Genesis 3:1, we are told,
“The serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.”
Most people fear snakes and respect them too. Have you ever wondered why? In an article entitled “A Leader Must be As Wise As a Serpent”, posted on the Daily Guide Network website, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills gave seven reasons why serpents are considered wise.
- They are considered to be wise because they have multiplied and flourished more than any other wild animal.
- They are considered to be wise because they have continued to exist in an ever-modernizing world. You will notice that many wild animals are becoming extinct in our modern world.
- They are considered to be wise because they have been able to flourish even though they are hated by everyone.
- They are considered to be wise because they evoke fear and respect in human beings..
- They are considered to be wise because of their ability to live in every continent and every part of the world.
- They are considered to be wise because of their ability to function in every sphere; on land, in the sea, in fresh water and even in the air.
- They are considered to be wise because of their ability to accomplish their goals in this world. In spite of all the odds stacked against the snakes, they are able to live, eat and multiply.
Serpents live among us without being noticed. They are very quiet, and very alert. They have well developed survival skills.
My neighbor once told me a snake has been coming to lie on my wall, probable to bask in the sun, so I became alert. The day I saw it, I realized it was also keenly observing me. Once it realized I had noticed it, it moved away and I never saw it again. They know their environment thoroughly and scan regularly for dangers. They are not gullible and don’t take unnecessary chances. They process everything; even the tiniest vibrations!
So when Jesus tells us to be as wise “as serpents and be harmless as doves”, what is He telling us?
With wisdom comes a lot of power. Snakes by their wisdom have a lot of power. I have heard the story of someone who felt something like a scratch; but started itching around the place. Someone who knew about snakes rushed him to the hospital and it was confirmed he had been bitten by a snake. They never saw the snake!
A snake can easily kill an animal several times its weight! Their wisdom gives them power, and when they go around abusing the power they have, then they become dangerous! The same applies to humans.
Therefore to keep the immense wisdom we get when we become wise as serpents under control, especially from abuse, Christ advised us to be “as harmless as doves” Some versions say, “As innocent as doves”.
The more wisdom we have, the more control we need over ourselves not to use the wisdom wrongly.
Have you seen someone who has a lot of power and abuses it for personal gain and self gratification? That is what happens when we become wise as serpents; but not harmless as doves.
God give us the grace to be wise, and to be harmless as well.
MEMORY VERSE
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
QUESTIONS
1. What can you learn from the survival skills of serpents?
2. How do you intend to let the Holy Spirit guide you so that you will not use this God-given wisdom wrongly?
PRAYER TIP
Almighty Father, please give me enough wisdom to survive, and enough grace to keep it under control of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name.
Written by:
BENNY MALM
For:
TESTIMONY DEVOTIONAL
CREDITS
- “A Leader Must Be Wise As A Serpent”, DailyGuideNetwork (https://dailyguidenetwork.com/)
URGENT CALL
By nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God. We ultimately face the wrath of God!
But God in His mercy and love gives us a chance to reverse this trend, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.
The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved.
Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.
It is a very personal decision. No one can make for you.
If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God!
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God richly bless you
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