Sending us out as sheep

Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.
Matt 10:16-18

We live in an uncertain world. We live in a fallen world. And yet God send us out as sheep. Why? If you have a pack of wolves and you need to subdue them, won’t you send in something stronger? But God send us out as sheep. Why? The only answer I can think of is the fact that sheep needs a shepherd. Their lives are dependent on that one guide, leader and comforter. If we are being sent out as lions into the pack of wolves, we do not need anyone to help us; we are strong as we are. But no, we are dependent on the One Shepherd, who is our one true lead and guide in our lives.

But we are not to be dumb sheep though – we are to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves…now how can one do that while still being sheep?

pearlie