The Art of Neighbouring Part 2Sample

 OF LAMBS AND WOLVES 

As a child, I enjoyed spending time with the lambs on my aunt’s farm.  I would spend all afternoon out in the field, loving on them and playing with them, so much so that by the end of the day, I even smelled like them.  I remember how heartbroken I was when one of my soft, wooly friends had been attacked and killed by a coyote.  It took a while to forgive the coyote and understand the balance of nature.

Lambs, for all their cuteness, are not very bright animals.  They are fearful, defenseless creatures who need the protection of a shepherd or caretaker.  They are prone to wander and make easy prey when separated from the flock.   

Wolves, by contrast, are cunning predatory animals that often travel in packs with a hierarchy structure and hunt with skill and determination.  A hapless lost lamb makes for an easy target.  

Yet, in Luke 10:3, we read the words of Jesus as he makes a surprising statement.  Jesus said “Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.”  Why would the Lord send us out as lambs into the path of wolves?  What does he mean by this? 

The Lord is reminding his disciples, his followers, that we are being sent out into a hostile world—a world that is like the wolves who seek to devour and destroy the vulnerable.  It would appear that we are lambs as we do not act the same way the wolves do. We are not to return evil for evil but instead come in the opposite spirit, bringing love, compassion, and hope.    

Yet, within this message are the words “behold, I am sending you…”.  So, as His beloved, though appearing as lambs, we are not being sent out helpless or left to fend for ourselves.  We are being sent out into this troubled world, with the power and authority of our Great Shepherd to win people over through displaying and telling of His love. 

Jesus knows what he is doing. The Holy Spirit is powerfully working with and through us. He is also at work within the wolves' hearts, softening their resistance, bringing conviction, and drawing them to Him.