As we studied 1 John 4:1-6 last night, we looked at the sometimes difficult question of how we can be ‘shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.’ In Matt 10:16, Jesus uses a variety of images of animals which seem (in His usual style!) somewhat paradoxical. He sends out His disciples as sheep among wolves. We know that in the natural, wolves are predators who will quickly destroy sheep, so it seems bizarre to think that we are sent as sheep among wolves. What chance do we stand of survival in that hostile environment? How can we preach the gospel in those circumstances?
Jesus then goes on to say that we have to be as shrewd as serpents (a symbol of all that is cunning, sly and devious in our understanding) and as innocent (or wise or harmless as doves.) Again, we wonder how you can have this combination of characteristics, but clearly He wants us to be shrewd (not sly or devious), familiar with the world’s ways of working, not gullible or naive at the same time as being genuine, devoid of cynicism and wise with spiritual wisdom. His followers are not called to be gullible fools, believing everything they hear, but we are called to operate in hostile territory, empowered by God’s Spirit. Sometimes, wolves penetrate the church, dressed in sheep’s clothing (Matt 7:15), and both Jesus and John warn us against false prophets.
As a Pentecostal church, we long for God to move by His Spirit and for the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12:1-11) to be manifested in our meetings. We eagerly desire spiritual gifts, including the gift of prophecy (1 Cor 14:1), which we understand as being a speaking out of God’s heart (prophecy is not necessarily the same as being a prophet, but we also recognise that God still appoints prophets, along with apostles, evangelists, pastors and teachers to lead His people.) Nonetheless, we recognise that many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:2) and that these can be seen even within churches. It is important, therefore, that we learn to rely on God’s Spirit to lead us and direct us and that we come back to the Word to find our direction and guidance. It should also be noted that prophets are generally people who can bring words of chastisement and rebuke as well as encouragement. Just because prophecy may make us uncomfortable or challenge us does not make it false! In all things, we need God’s wisdom and help, being confident in His goodness and mercy and sure that He will not give us anything that is not intended to build us up and draw us closer to Him.