Wise and Gentle

Advent

James 1:5 – If you ever lack wisdom, ask God. He will grant it liberally. Matthew 10:16 – Be wise as serpents, gentle as doves.

December 15, 2019

Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:2-11

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.”
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. –Matthew 11:7-11

We live in a funny world driven by computers and 30 section sound bites. Words are assigned negative, emotional meanings whether the meaning conveyed is a part of the definition or not. All information has become questionable because so much false information is afloat. I take any political ad with a grain of salt if the entity paying for the ad will not post the names of the people that supports them. No one can be held accountable for whether the ad is true or not.

Jesus is attesting to the truth of John’s message in the above scripture because Jesus is that truth. Yet, still many did not believe it because their world, like our world, was playing games with them. Matthew 7:15 states Jesus’ warning: Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

As we live in this world, we strive to be a part of that kingdom of heaven where all have a seat at the table and are lead by the one who is the way, the truth, and the life*.

Prayer: Lord, train us in being as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves**. Amen.

*See John 14:6

**From Matthew 10:16

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.