Sheep in the Midst

‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Matthew 10:16-23

Sheep in the Midst

I am not willing to be like them
yet I can understand their fear
I can know their visceral anxiety
and honor the need to deeply growl.

Our call is to endure with joy
as the storms swirl and moan
as the cruel words are screamed
we will love them beyond today.

Today might be bloody and creul
we might not see the sun setting
but we will not give up that easy
we are all bound for great glory.

Persecution is around the corner
judgement is in every breath
so is our Creator in every moment
and perfect love in the midst of fear.