“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16

Last weekend out of boredom we decided to watch the latest Marvel movie. After renting, we settled in and prepared to be blown away by action and adventure. It was amazing to watch as each super hero AND super villain was dramatically introduced. But after some time we realized we had already seen this movie! In haste, we had hit the wrong button at the Red Box machine. I was disappointed because the FIRST time I had seen this movie, it was evident that the producers had only one thing in mind. To ‘sell’ another sequel. I turned it off!

We all love heroes, don’t we? When I was a kid, way back in the black and white TV days, I would rush in and turn on the TV to watch ‘The Lone Ranger.’ Film production has come a LONG way since then. Watching those old chase scenes and gun fights now, I realize they weren’t really close to anything resembling reality. When I really started thinking about the Lone Ranger, the Holy Spirit started to convict me about my appeal to ‘Super Heroes.’

“Let’s take a look at The Lone Ranger,” God seemed to say. So I did. Now think about it. Here’s a guy that hides behind a mask, rides dusty trails on a horse, roaming from town to town looking for trouble. His only companion is a ‘time period inferior’ who praises his judgment “oooo that good,” & occasionally asks… “what we do now Kemosabe?” All so the Lone Ranger can play the hero…and then LEAVE! Hmmmm… isn’t that kind of self gratifying and messed up? Then God led me to consider HIS heroes.

In Matthew, Jesus calls His original 12 disciples and gives them a secret mission. “I’m sending you like sheep among wolves!” We might hear Peter say… “what’s that Jesus?” Then Jesus adds, “Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” No super powers, no weapons, no cape! But just like Mom might add… “be REALLY careful out there… but SPEAK up!!” WHAAAAAAA? But…. But… THAT kind of advice can get a guy KILLED!!! And it DID!

I look around me and see a violent world that is dying but too proud to realize it. I see satan touching and permeating every facet of society and spoiling it with dark powers of deception. I see the world running after evil with an appetite that only grows and demands ‘MORE!” Then I am reminded of The Master’s words to His disciples, HIS heroes…The Church… “Hey you… sheep!!! Go into YOUR world and speak ‘The Good News.’”

It is said that you can’t speak the Gospel without the word ‘Go!’ And it is true. God is calling us to GO out in that rough, tough world and to STAY there and TALK…. About HIM! The Gospels and letters are very clear about the world’s conditions AND their reactions. ‘They will hate you, persecute you, mock you and worse… but keep your head down and be sure to SPEAK!’ 2000 years later, the Master of the Universe STILL directs His ‘sheepish’ warriors in the same way. No cape, no shield, no magic and no glory. Just HIM!

May I add this as incentive. Jesus didn’t hide behind a mask, and He isn’t asking us to do anything He hasn’t done Himself. He simply says, “Go… stay…don’t hide… and SPEAK… I’ll be back soon!” HIIIIIHOOOOOOOOO…. boy! It’s gonna get rough!