I can act wisely (?) by Pastor Dave

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10: 5
 
Matthew 10: 5-31
 
    The American Pastor and Author, Eugene Peterson writes, “Wisdom is the art of living skillfully in whatever actual conditions we find ourselves.” To live wisely we need to think clearly, to think clearly we need to see well. Unashamedly I speak and teach a lot on having the mind of Christ who is God’s wisdom for us. So we need to see Jesus clearly, think like Him and be enabled by the Spirit to act like Him – our being directs our doing. In our above recorded verse there is clear direction towards such wisdom. If Christ is our foundation then He is our platform from which to step out into the world and our example to imitate. In our Gospel reading Jesus is sending His disciples out into the world. His directions to them have much guidance for us in our lives. I would encourage you to read the whole chapter and grasp His directions for you. Here though are a five salient teachings from the reading selected for today:
 

1. We are sent, vs. 5, by Jesus to share the Good News. We are to be intentional in our words and deeds. This mission is to be shared, we are not to work on our own but with our brothers and sisters in Christ  
2. Freely give as you have freely received, vs. 8; as God has blessed us with His Grace, generosity and love so we are to do the same for others
3. The Gospel and our Faith will bring reaction, vs. 11-15b; it will either be accepted or rejected. We must not be surprised at negative reactions or suffering for our faith. If there is rejection we should look to move on, the harvest is great but workers few (9: 36)
4. Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves: our current public dialogue can be polarized, hostile and dualistic. We need to listen carefully then speak with Christ’s wisdom which challenges falsehood and promotes the Kingdom of God
5. Do not be afraid, vs. 26-31; God is with us, cares for us and is Sovereign over all matters. If we are to have fear our fear should be an awe filled fear of God who holds our souls in His hands

 
    To act wisely in this world is to imitate Jesus Christ and to obey His Word. The Holy Spirit empowers and enables us individually but in a very real way through the Church as a whole. As we see our reality more clearly may we live more nearly to the way of Christ.
To Ponder: Which of the five pointers from the Gospel reading resonates most with you? Why is the Holy Spirit highlighting this in your mind and heart; what is He asking of you?
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you for us are Wisdom from God, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. May your Holy Spirit open our minds to your wisdom, our hearts to your love and our wills to obedience. Enable us to walk in your way of service in this world. Amen
    
Praise: Here I am Lord (I the Lord of sea and Sky)
Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcxOkht8w7c
Wisdom Song
Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMnIVe4-QUY
Perfect Wisdom of our God
Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSnzYnOe6kI