#innocent as doves

[boanerges20]

So Be Wise As Serpents And Innocent As Doves Matthew 10:16-33

[wiirocku]

Matthew 10:16 (NASB) - “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.

[edelweissacermacrophyllum]

As shrewd as serpents, as innocent as doves.

Genesis 25-26, Proverbs 1:20-33, Matthew 10:1-31

This is the story of the mid-life of Issac and his twin sons, Harry and Heel, who, to be crass, are both complete knobs. One sells his birthright for stew and the other buys his brother's birthright for stew. What a clown show. Maybe this is symbolic of something, but to a biblical literalist this is a ridiculous story.

Issac goes off and hangs out with the king of the Philistines, Abimilek, and again uses the trick of saying that his wife was his sister. Nobody actually takes advantage of Rebecca in this case, but it does seem to be a common strategy among Abraham and his children.

I was discussing immigration with a right leaning person and because of my circles, they were a Christian. They used Jesus's words, "Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." to defend an exclusive border policy. I thought it was nonsense, especially in light of the entire rest of the bible which is always of one mind when talking about welcoming foreigners. In any case, the only thing I can think of when reading Jesus's words here is the Brothers Karamazov again, where Alyosha is well aware of all the terrible things that go on in the world but also strangely innocent through it.

Anyway, it looks as if Jacob and Esau in the old testament passage are both simultaneously posessed of too much ill intent to be innocent and too dumb to do much with it. Maybe this is too mean spirited.

The quote from Jesus is from his commissioning of his disciples, in which he sends them out into the world. It touches on a lot of things, like not planning too much but just trusting in the instincts they have gained from working with Jesus and in the influence of the Holy Spirit which he has given them. He's saying to think carefully about what they do but to do it out of such wild and reckless love.

I think about this a lot when I work in the social services and meet veteran youth workers, social workers, nurses, care aides, etc. These people have such phenomenal instincts of love, care, and compassion even when they are burning out. They have good habits and for some of them, a connection to the divine that fuels them. I tend to think of them as the quiet and powerful ones. These are the people who have seen the darkest parts of humanity, looked in the eyes of hell itself, shed a tear or even wept bitterly, and then rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

I think that's a good metaphor for what God did in Jesus. They grieved for us and then got to work and joined us, not by waving a wand and making it all better, but by giving their power and trying to get us to be better. There is a quote that I think originated on Tumblr and it gained popularity because of its raw power, but I think it works well here. "I will face God and walk backwards into hell." And that's more or less what Jesus did.

[madewithonerib]

           Matthew 10:16 | Behold, I am sending you out            like sheep among wolves; therefore be as            shrewd as snakes & as innocent as doves.

What Does Matthew 10:16 Mean?

     Behold, I send you forth, as sheep among wolves

     This, & the following verses, chiefly with respect to      troubles, afflictions, persecutions, & sufferings which      should befall the apostles after the death &      resurrection of CHRIST;

     When their commission was enlarged, & they afresh      sent out by CHRIST to preach HIS Gospel;

     of which HE gives a faithful account before hand,      that they might be prepared for them, & not be      surprised when they came upon them.

     HE compares them to "sheep", because they were      meek & humble in their spirits, harmless, &      inoffensive, in their lives & conversations;

     were weak, & unable to protect themselves,      & were sent out by HIM unarmed & defenceless;

     & their oppressors & persecutors as "wolves",      because fierce & furious, voracious & ravenous,      cruel & hurtful, as these creatures are,      especially to sheep;

     wherefore CHRIST gives them      this wholesome advice:

           Be ye therefore wise as serpents, &            harmless as doves.

     Much such an expression as this GOD is      represented as saying of Israel:

     ``Says R. Judah, in the name of R. Simon,

           the holy blessed GOD said, concerning Israel,            with ME they are [Mynwyk Mymymt], "harmless as doves";            but among the nations of the world, they are            [MYvxnk MYmwre] , "subtle as serpents".''

     The serpent is a very sharp sighted, cunning creature,      & uses various arts & stratagems for its own      preservation, & especially of its head;

     & is so far to be imitated by the followers of CHRIST,      as to make use of all proper methods to preserve      themselves from the insults & rage of men, &      not expose themselves to unnecessary dangers:

     and, as much as in them lies, they should be careful      to give no just occasion of offence, or irritate, &      provoke them to use them ill, & to avoid all snares      & traps that are laid for them;

     and, at the same time, maintain the innocence &      harmlessness of the dove, being free from all      wicked cunning & craftiness, without rancour,      malice, & wrath;

           not meditating & seeking revenge, but            meek & humble in their deportment,

     leading inoffensive lives, & proceeding in the      course of their calling, though liable to many      insults, & much oppression.

John Gill, English Baptist & Calvinist [1697-1771] | Matthew 10:16 Similar: Parable of the Unjust Steward [Luke 16:1-13]

[kdmiller55]

Unexpected and Unaccepted.

7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written,

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[kdmiller55]

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2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and…

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[kdmiller55]

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[kdmiller55]

Misplaced Fear.

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