Patterns for Peaceعينة

Big Enough For Both

Jesus recognized the need for standing in the gap of two extremes. That’s why He made it a point to model for us the attitude we should take when we find ourselves pulled in opposite directions. We see an example of this in some instructions He gave to His disciples. He knew His disciples would face a difficult and hostile world. He knew that they would encounter resistance and that people would always want to pull them away from their purpose. So He said to them, "Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."

Admittedly, it’s pretty difficult to imagine a single person simultaneously having the characteristics of a serpent and a dove, but essentially what Jesus is saying is that they needed to have a tough mind and tender heart.

He was laying down a foundational principle about the method necessary for kingdom work. And as we strive to bring peace in a hostile world, we need to be wise but blameless. We need thick skin but a soft touch.

Dr. King said it this way, "The greatness of our God lies in the fact that He is both tough-minded and tenderhearted. He has qualities both of austerity and of gentleness. He is tough in His justice and tender in His love and grace. He has two outstretched arms. One is strong enough to surround us with justice and one is gentle enough to embrace us with grace."

Questions for reflection.

What do you think it looks like to be wise but blameless in our approach to peace?

How do you think Matthew 10:16 is similar to John 1:14?