Lambs In The Midst Of Wolves

Neh. 8:1-12 & Lk. 10:1-12

Nehemiah was called to return to Jerusalem by God and direct its restoration so that His people could live there in peace and safety. Another aspect of God's restoration was the renewal of the spiritual life of the people which also took place.

Ezra the priest, who is called the Father of Judaism, read from Law of Moses (the Torah) and the Levites interpreted God's words to those who were listening so that they could receive life from it. The people were exhorted to rejoice in God's word rather than grieve and weep, "because they had understood the meaning of what had been proclaimed to them.“ The words brought them joy, life, strength and revelation by showing them how they were to live, restoring their faith and trust in God, and building up spiritual ardour.

Jesus chose 12 men to be His Apostles. Now He commissioned 72 more to go forth and proclaim the Gospel. Time was running out and there were still many places that had not heard the good news that the Kingdom of God was at hand. He warned this team of missionaries to be prepared to be rejected. He knew He was sending them out like lambs in the midst of wolves.

The world does not treat Christians kindly. It does not care about the things of God nor is interested in truth and goodness but believes in things that can be physically handled like money and guns.

The world does not care anything about doing the works of God, nor in equality, justice and love as God defined these concepts. The world believes in things that can be readily achieved, like influence, power and prestige. We Christians are really like lambs in the midst of wolves; the world would eat us alive if we were to give it half a chance.

Lord Jesus, may we always remember that we are the sheep of Your fold which means that You, the Good Shepherd, fights on our side against the wolves.