Jesus the Good Shepherd (See John 10, especially verses 10 and 11, 14 and 15.) sends his lambs out with the wolves. Well, this just got uncomfortable. 

There are a couple of things to remember here. 

First, where God guides, God provides. The provision they require is in the harvest. See verse 7:

“Don’t move around from home to home.
Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide.
Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.”

Jesus said, in effect, “Don’t take much” (verse 4) and “Don’t take much” (verse 7). Travel light (verse 4). Don’t take more than is offered (verse 7). After all, you are a lamb, not a wolf. Followers of Jesus should never be called wolves. This includes titles like The Wolf of Wall Street or The Big, Bad Wolf. Wolves devour. Lambs graze. 

I wonder if TV preachers understand this distinction.

Second, where God guides, God protects and preserves. Jesus said he, the Good Shepherd, “sacrifices his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). He goes on in this same chapter to say, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one,” (John 10:28-30).

All of this reminds us of Psalm 23, doesn’t it?

“The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”
(See verse 1.)

Our Father, our Shepherd, leads us first to rest (verses 2 and 3). We work from a place of rest rather than resting from our work.

Our Shepherd guides us along the right paths, which is perfectly consistent with his name and character (verses 3, 4). 

Our Shepherd provides for us and protects us even when we are surrounded by enemies (verse 5). He is better to us than we would be to ourselves. He treats us as honored guests and beloved children.

Our Shepherd never leaves us nor forsakes us (verse 6). We will never find ourselves out of his presence or care. 

When Jesus sends us out as lambs among wolves, we are safer, sounder, and more amply supplied than if we were surrounded by castle walls and a king’s treasures. 

No wonder they call the Gospel Good News!

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I will go wherever Jesus sends me knowing he prepares the way, provides what I need, protects me along the way, and preserves me as his beloved child forever. 

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Our Father, here I am, send me. I trust you will prepare the way before me. I believe you will provide everything I need. I am confident you will protect me. I know you will preserve me forever. I belong to you. Amen.