SHEEP & GOATS

“And He will cause the sheep
to stand at His right hand,
but the goats at His left.”
Matthew 25:33
The Amplified Bible

Jesus spoke of the coming Day of Judgment by comparing people to sheep and goats. In Palestine, it is not uncommon to find a flock including both goats and sheep grazing over the mountains, but at night they are separated and the sheep are brought into the sheepfold, or walled enclosure. Sheep tolerate the cool air, but goats have to be herded together for warmth. The shepherd stands at the gate and taps the sheep to go to the right and the goats to the left. In this account, the one doing the separating is Jesus.
Characteristics of sheep are they are docile, easily led, and will follow their shepherd. Sheep represent the servants of God who have served the Lord by serving their brethren. They demonstrated acts of mercy by providing sustenance, shelter and support for those who were hungry, thirsty, naked, infirmed and in prison.
The goats represent those wicked people who reject Christ and who are oppressive to others. Goats are characterized by refusal to serve and remaining indifferent. Not necessarily were they guilty of sins of commission, they were guilty of sins of omission.
At the judgment, the sheep will be placed on His right hand representing the place of power and honor. The goats will be placed on the left hand and cast into everlasting fire that was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).
What is astounding is that neither of the groups is shocked by their assigned place, but rather they are shocked by the reasons they are assigned to that group. The sheep were totally unassuming in their interactions with those who were in need. They displayed the true love of Christ without hypocrisy. It seems from the tenor of the scripture, they were not even aware that they were serving the Lord.
True conversion causes the love of God to be shed abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5). Each day we determine on which side of the shepherd we will be placed. We will all stand before the Lord who is the Righteous Judge to determine where we will spend eternity. Our salvation is not based on works because we are justified by faith. However, because we are saved, we will do righteous acts of mercy.

ANIMAL KINGDOM Part Two

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs
neither cast ye your pearls before swine,
lest they trample them under their feet,
and turn again and rend you.”
Matthew 7:6
King James Version

In this portion of Jesus’ sermon on the mount, He talks about holy things, dogs, pigs, pearls and someone getting hurt. Jesus often referred to things that were commonly understood in the society so the people could make an association to a spiritual concept. The responsibility of every believer is to share the gospel of the kingdom, but here Jesus gives the instruction that, at times, the sacredness of the gospel should not be shared.
The Jews were well versed in holy things because they were aware of the meat sacrifices that were offered on the altar and deemed holy and sacred. Dogs and swine would not care if the meat was holy or not, but rather tear it to shreds and consume it. The holy things in this passage also relate to the message of salvation and holiness that many would treat as common and worthless. The kingdom of heaven is likened to a merchant seeking ‘goodly pearls’ and when he had found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (Matthew 13:45-46). The kingdom of heaven is sacred, holy, and a treasure of great price that must be held in high regard.
The only thing viler than dogs in Bible times were swine. Jesus equated those who did not hold the holy things in high regard and esteem as dogs and swine. He further instructed them to be careful not to offer the treasure of the kingdom to those who would treat it in this deplorable fashion.
Furthermore, Jesus said that those who resist, refuse and are impudent regarding the holy and righteous things would turn and rend, or attack you. Proverbs 9:8 says, “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee.” Also, Proverbs 23:9 says, “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.” Jesus instructed his disciples to even shake the dust from their feet from those who would not receive the message of the kingdom (Matthew 10:14).
You may ask, “How do I know when to share and when not to share?” Wisdom and discernment are vitally important. In the midst of wolves, dogs and swine, we are still to be docile sheep, wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Sometimes, the right thing to do is say nothing as being a good steward of the gospel. †

ANIMAL KINGDOM

“Behold, I send you forth as
sheep in the midst of wolves:
be ye therefore wise as serpents,
and harmless as doves.”
(Matthew 10:16)
King James Version

The Message Bible interprets this verse as “Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.” Jesus gave instructions to his disciples regarding going out into the world. The job of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, healing the sick, and casting out devils, he warned, would be a high-risk occupation. Jesus used the nature of animals to depict the circumstances his disciples would face as they spread the gospel in a crooked and perverse generation. The disciples would be like sheep going among a pack of hungry wolves.
Knowing this, he armed them will invaluable information that would enable them to complete their assignment and mandate. He told the disciples to be wise as serpents. The wisdom of the serpent saves them from unnecessary exposure to danger. As Christians, we can be assured that we will have persecution (II Timothy 3:12). However, he admonished them not to go looking for trouble but rather use watchful prudence in detecting and and escaping danger. Proverbs 14:11 says, “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways.” To be wise means to have understanding of people and situations, to have keen and unusual discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment in dealing with people and situations. Choose battles wisely under the government of the Holy Spirit. It just might not be a good day to fight!
The disciples were also to be as harmless, or innocent and inoffensive as a dove. They are called ‘peace’ doves. The disciples were to have a calm, sweet disposition and be harmless and inoffensive in motive, effect or intention. Inoffensive means to be giving no provocation.
The harmlessness of the dove tempers the serpent's wisdom, and the wisdom of the serpent instructs the harmlessness of the dove. We must follow the instructions of Jesus and detect and avoid unnecessary danger, while giving no provocation or offense even when attacked. Be wise and harmless,—always. This is the perfect balance of wisdom, understanding, prudence, and purity. †

WISDOM & UNDERSTANDING

“Wisdom is the most important thing;
so get wisdom.
If it costs everything you have,
get understanding.”
Proverbs 4:7
New Century Version

In the days and times we live, it is imperative to have wisdom and understanding. We are in the information age. We can access enormous amounts of information in seconds. Yet, it is possible to have information and knowledge and yet not apply it properly because of the lack of understanding. Wisdom is knowledge guided by understanding. To have wisdom is to have skill and prudence.
In these last days, we certainly need wisdom, not man’s wisdom, but the wisdom that comes from God and the His word. Psalm 19:7 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” The wisdom of God will make even the unlearned and inexperienced wise. The people were always astonished at the wisdom of Jesus and the apostles (See Matthew 13:54 and Acts 4:13).
The wisdom of God is the primary thing and we should pursue God’s wisdom on a daily basis. Proverbs 8:11 says, “For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” Rubies are precious gems, but do not compare to wisdom. Understanding is discernment or having the proper comprehension and interpretation. As we gain knowledge of God, His will, plans and purposes, it vitally important to get understanding. When we have understanding, we will begin to see the big picture and not major on the minors. The scripture tells us that understanding must be acquired at all costs. It is not enough to have knowledge, but we must also seek to understand it according to God’s word and then apply it to our daily lives. The threefold cord of knowledge, wisdom and understanding is priceless!
We should practice to seek understanding rather than seek to be understood. How many offenses and misunderstandings would be avoided if this principle was practiced? In each and every relationship, situation and circumstance, in your life, wisdom and understanding are paramount.
God is the only source of true wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” Daily, put your ear to the mouth of God get wisdom and in all thy getting, get understanding. †

RIGHT WORDS & WISDOM

"For I will give you a mouth and wisdom,
which all your adversaries shall
not be able to gainsay nor resist."
(Luke 21:15)
King James Version

Jesus told his disciples all the things that would occur prior to the Second Coming of Christ. He wanted them to be cognizant of the signs that would point to His return. Jesus gave sober warnings regarding the suffering, trials and persecution that would befall the true disciples of Christ in the last days.
Signs of the last days would include the appearing of many false prophets, wars, earthquakes, famines and pestilences. The last days would also be characterized by extreme persecution and betrayal of the servants of God by their own family members and friends. In the last days, Christians will be hated by those who reject the authority and righteousness of God. The general moral decay of society will cause a great divide that will manifest even among families and the closest of friends. Compromise and the spirit of the world will infiltrate and cause tremendous division, hatred and persecution. Christians who stand for right and righteousness, without compromise, will become more and more isolated in society, among friends and even in their families. Jesus warns that the faithful will suffer and be brought before kings and rulers for His name’s sake. What will you say? Will you deny Him?
The Bible says that Stephen was ‘full of faith and power’ (Acts 6:8). He was brought before the religious sects of the Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians who disputed with him in the synagogue. Yet, the Bible says, “they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:10).
In the last days, many will have questions about what is right and what is wrong. Many will dispute, reason and reject the sound counsel of the scriptures and choose to believe a lie rather than the truth. We cannot afford to ‘stick our head in the sand’ but should rather lift our voice with power, wisdom and authority and never ‘shrink back from declaring the entire counsel of God’ (Acts 20:27). Jesus never promised that we would not suffer persecution. He did promise to fill our mouths with words of powerful wisdom that the enemies of God and His righteousness would not be able refute or argue. Today, listen for the voice of God to answer every question.