More from "The Strength to Love" by M.L. King.
Jesus recognized the need for blending opposites. He knew that his disciples would face a difficult and hostile world, where they would confront the recalcitrance of political officials and the intransigence of the protectors of the old order. He knew that they would meet cold and arrogant men whose hearts had been hardened by the long winter of traditionalism. So he said to them, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves." And he gave them a formula for actions: "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." It is pretty difficult to imagine a single person having, simultaneously, the characteristics of the serpent and the dove, but this is what Jesus expects. We must combine that toughness of the serpent and the softness of the dove, a touch mind and a tender heart.
I love this section - A call for an observance of and participation in life that demands two sides. We must be able to see what is going on around us and then to also act with two agendas that are really centered in the good news of the Reign of God. There are so many ways we can be pulled off the way of the Reign of God. Therefore, we must be aware of the need to resist and at the same time not let the resistance deny us the opportunity to love. Quite a tension can exist when we become available and vulnerable. King had the gift of holding these two gifts in balance - a blessing to everyone.
Connection: It is always easier to look back and see the two sides of a scene. The discipline we are asked to hold close is to see those sides as we step into the action of this day.
Blessed Lord, when we are caught up in your amazing grace, we are given the eyes to see and the ears to hear the way of your Reign. Help us to embody that grace and take hold of the insights it brings to life. Amen.
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