Snakes And Doves

Snakes and Doves

Read: Matthew 10:5-16

“Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

Matthew 10:16

“Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness.”

—Isaac of Syria

IN WORD Jesus could not have given us an instruction more laden with meaningful imagery than this. We read it and know exactly what comes to mind when we think of snakes and doves. Where have we heard of these before in Scripture? The serpent of old “was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made” (Genesis 3:1). And the Holy Spirit descends like a dove (Matthew 3:16). We are to be as shrewd as the serpent, knowing his tactics. And we are to be as innocent as a dove, indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God. This is the prescription for any Christian who wants to be useful in God’s service—always aware of evil, yet powerfully uncorrupted by it.

There is a profound implication to Jesus’ words—a foreshadowing of the battles we face as His disciples. He has just commissioned His disciples to go and preach, heal, and give. Those whom He has sent will face a shrewd, malevolent resistance. And the safeguard against that evil is purity.

IN DEED The world is full of snakes. There are crafty reptiles under the command of the master serpent who have laid traps all over this world of need. They use an array of weapons—physical, emotional, philosophical, psychological, and above all, spiritual. We are told by Jesus to be very aware of his strategies, as was Paul, who said: “We are not unaware of his schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11). If we are too casual about the danger, we are apt to fall into it.

Interestingly, Jesus does not tell us to be shrewd and then act shrewdly. He tells us to be shrewd and then act innocently. While our awareness is to measure up to the most devious plans the enemy has, our actions are to measure up to the pure, gentle character of God. Our attitudes are at war with a conniving enemy; our behavior refuses to engage him. Is this where you struggle? Remember when you encounter snakelike attacks not to respond in kind. Be a dove.