Sheep among wolves

There have been a couple of times since I started driving truck with my husband that we have gone into areas that are somewhat frightful. We go into truckstop parking lots that are full of every kind of illegal activity. We have driven into areas that are very crime laden and to be honest, sometimes I am afraid.

I have already walked through areas where I felt like a little ewe surrounded by wolves.

Bill never ever allows  me go alone and that brings me comfort. And we stay away from those situations as much as possible.

But let's be real, this world is harsh and mean and getting more so all the time.

Jesus chose 12 men from among His many followers. He set them apart, taught them, gave them authority and sent them out. The verse below is one of many things He said to them.

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

They would live the rest of their lives as sheep among wolves. It would not be an easy life for them. I think they might have thought otherwise.

Why do we wonder then, why our lives aren't better or easier? Do we think that we deserve better than Jesus or His chosen?

Jesus told us to "go out" into the world. So we will be among the wolves, but He also gives us other advice, "be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves."

So I had to ponder on this for awhile. I had to look up the words and I'm still pondering and thinking about it. 

Shrewd- discerning awareness, astute, clear eyed, knowing and smart.

Innocent- free from sin, harmless in intention

How would a sheep ever survive living among wolves?

I think they would have to be very wise and alert, Watching and guarding their every step. I think that any chance that they had to be in the company of other sheep they should take the opportunity because there would be more safety in numbers and they could help protect each other. The more sheep they could gather together, the better off they would be.

I think they would have to be very non threatening to the wolves and not do anything that would provoke their anger. 

I don't think they should ever eat with the wolves as this would probably prove to be very dangerous. 

I think that even in their sleep they will have to be ready for attack.

I think the sheep will not ever be able to rest until the Shepherd comes and destroys the wolves and takes the sheep away to eternal safety.

Work hard to gather and surround yourself with sheep until that day.