Sheep In Wolves Clothing

Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
Sheep are usually considered docile and non combative. Isn’t it strange Jesus would tell His disciples He was sending them in the midst of wolves? Usually the picture is different it is the wolves who are dressed as sheep so as to infiltrate and kill the sheep. But then Jesus is a very unusual shepherd. He is revealing His supernatural power, and the upside-down ways, of His kingdom by asking his children to charge in to a pack of wolves on the offensive. We usually think of Christians as being persecuted, the martyrs, the helpless---think again. Christians, when they are persecuted, are suffering because they are storming in among the wolves to fulfill their Shepherd’s calling. Jesus told His disciples the gates of hell could not withstand the onslaught of the kingdom of Christ.
Yes we are promised we will be victorious but we are warned not to go careless and reckless. We are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Effective insurgence will only happen when we are behaving with the wisdom and cunning of serpents, while maintaining the warmth and gentleness of doves.
We are given orders, marching orders and we are given rules of engagement. We do not have a choice as to whether or not to engage the enemy: Jesus said, “I am sending you.” We are also not given the choice of our weaponry. Jesus tells us our weapons are wisdom and kindness, not cruelty and force.
Your mission should you decide to accept it is an unusual one. You are to change the world. You are to go as sheep on the offensive against wolves. Logic says this will never work. Without claw and club we have no chance against ravenous wolves. How can we win with kindness and wisdom? Remember your weapons are sanctified weapons and with these weapons this unlikely battle will be won. You have the promise the victory will be through Jesus Christ. The victory will be complete the enemy will be defeated.
There is one caveat you can’t stay in the pew, or in front of your TV, you have to go into the world. Into the highway and hedges and compel them to come in. You have to go where the wolves live. You have to go among them. For the battle is in the wolf pack. No battle is ever won in camp. Your commander issued these orders, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”