Christian Living
Wolves are the fiercest members of the dog family. They are large predatory animals and can crush large bones in a few bites. They are wild. Among their packs, wolves are said to Be friendly, loyal with a strong sense of family and teamwork. Despite their seemingly endearing attributes, wolves are no friends to sheep. In fact, wolves are known enemies of goats and sheep. They prey on sheep to survive. The Lord Jesus sent His disciples into a wild world with the admonishment to be as sheep among wolves.. He likens His followers to the sheep.
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16
Sheep do not have the fierce nature of wolves. Sheep are not even driven by pasture, many times they are led by a shepherd to feed. Hence they are so often used as sacrificial animals and they obediently follow to be slaughtered.
The sheep is a meek, quiet and gentle animal often presenting itself as being unaware of the world around it. Interestingly, despite it’s seeming portrayal of timidity, the sheep is said to be a highly intelligent animal with great memory and recognition skills. Sheep also love and esteem relationships, they are loyal and committed to the leading shepherd.
Inspite of the above alluring attributes of sheep, they can also be very destructive when the need arises.
So considering its gentle nature, the sheep fits nicely into a wolf’s ready meal. The sheep that can survive around a wolf is the smart, wise, calculating, shrewd one. And this is where the sheep’ intelligence and relationship skills come in.
In an evil, hazardous and fierce world ruled by the enemy of our faith, Jesus wants us to be as sheep among wolves. To be simple, seperate, smart, sensitive and strategic. To be wise and discerning. Gentle and loving.
Brethren, we can be all these things and more when we walk in the Spirit.
Shalom!
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