THE SHEEP AND THE SERPENT

Click here to download the First Fruit Fasting message:  – 310122- (EPISODES OF JOY)                                              WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT                         2022 FIRST FRUIT FASTING EXERCISE    Jan. 24 – Feb. 13, 2022                                                                                                         (Day 18) Theme:          EPISODES OF JOY Texts:            Jer.33:10-13; Zeph.3:14,15; Jn.15:11; 16:24

This is 18 days of detoxification, spiritual reshuffling and reinvigoration. Our treasuries are loaded with divine information to war a good warfare and bring down every opposition that may venture our way. It is an era of episodes of joy.

We shall be drawing our lessons from 2 creatures that exist at opposite poles of human tolerance/acceptance which the Lord either likened His disciples to or asked them to emulate.

Topic: THE SHEEP AND THE SERPENT Texts: Matt.10:16; Jn.10:25-30

One creature is used as a metaphor while the other is a simile. Let us consider the characteristics of the creatures and cull out the necessary qualities for our edification.

A. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CREATURES

The SERPENT is a limbless reptile that has been in enmity with mankind and deemed evil since the fall (Gen.3:15; Matt.23:33). Though dreaded and an emblem of evil, or wickedness, the serpent is known for wisdom in self-preservation. It doesn’t expose itself to danger.

The SHEEP on the other hand is a meek mammal, harmless and gentle. Though sheep have poor sight, they have excellent hearing and an excellent brotherly attitude. They move in groups and share resources amicably and exhibit a great level of herd behaviour, which makes them look foolish.

B. CRUCIAL LESSONS FOR THE CHRISTIAN

The believer should know that he is hated by the world and must never expose himself to danger. (Matt.10:16; Jn.15:18,19; 17:14). So did Jesus in His time (Jn.7:1-10; 2:24-25).

Like sheep, the believer must be harmless (Matt.10:16; Phil.2:15) and accommodative (Matt.10:40-42; Rom.12:13), free of strive (Jn.13:34-35; 2Tim.2:24) and considerate (Gal.6:1-2). As sheep have excellent hearing, the believer is required to readily acknowledge the voice of the Lord via sermons, Scripture, signs, spirit guidance (Jn.10:27). He is to submit to divine tutelage through consecration.

The followership of behaviour to the Master should look foolish to the people of the world (1Pet.4:3-4; Gal.2:20).

The sheep cannot defend itself but only relies on the shepherd for its security (Jn.10:10-13; Ps.23:1-6).

The onus of the sheep’s preservation rests on the Shepherd. And so if one has chosen to be the Lord’s sheep, then security is guaranteed as the Lord is the true Shepherd (Ps.23:1-6).

Therefore, the believer is required to imbibe the wisdom of the serpent and the Christ-like characteristics of the sheep.