Sheep into the Midst of Wolves

‘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

It is hard to be a faithful Christian in times when our world is so divided and when leaders turn on their people. We have all been betrayed by someone we thought was a faithful friend. Often, we are taken in by the right words and interesting ideas. We are vulnerable, like sheep, who are not too bright and who follow the shepherd with the herd. We can tell ourselves folks are good and we find out how selfish and reprehensible they are. Jesus was so aware of the challenges his disciples would have to face, the betrayals, the persecutions and the hatred. We too face these troubles. We are reminded that the Spirit is with us, giving us words to say and escape routes when necessary.

Eternal Creator, source of love and goodness

you set us in communities of faith and strength

and give us Jesus as the most loving shepherd.

Too often those who lead are selfish and shameful

ready to pounce on anyone that dares to challenge

and those who live lives of true faith and goodness.

You are the good shepherd, you care for us all

you will give us the words to say and the peace needed

and you will find us ways to return to green pastures. Amen.