Luke 10:3 Like Lambs Among Wolves

Luke 10:3-4 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

I am not sure how reassuring or encouraging it was of Jesus to tell his disciples they were going out like lambs among wolves. Jesus is clearly warning his disciples of possible conflict and danger. There are few people who have been involved in mission for long who don’t understand that it can be a very testing experience. We, the lambs, do not have physical shields or impenetrable defenses, we can and do get hurt just like Jesus did. God allows us to suffer through sickness, accident, and also through opposition form others and even through physical violence. Jesus first disciples suffered a great deal for their obedience to Christ and many were martyred. We are also told to expect opposition and even persecution for being faithful to Him. We need not fear the ‘wolves’ whoever or whatever they may be. They may hurt us but they cannot separate us from God’s love. Satan himself seeks to discourage, debilitate, deceive and destroy. He entices us to sin and tries to bring us down however when the 72 disciples returned from their mission trip Jesus speaking of Satan assured them, “I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy…”

Father help us keep our eyes open and fixed on you so that we can face whatever comes our way assured of your unbreakable love.   
P.S. I would really appreciate your prayers as I am doing a Marathon (6 hour) Sermon this Saturday in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, UK see www.sim.co.uk/giles for details. Many thanks.