Sent
Rev. J. Loren Russell
Matthew 10:16-20 ( NKJV)
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.”
When Jesus speaks in Gospel of Matthew 10:16–20, He doesn’t just give instructions—He defines identity. To be sent is to move with purpose that didn’t originate with you. It means your life is not random, your placement is not accidental, and your voice is not self-assigned. There is intention behind where you are and who you’re reaching.
But being sent is not the same as being sheltered. “Sheep in the midst of wolves” is a clear-eyed description of reality. You are placed in environments that require awareness, not avoidance. That’s why Jesus pairs wisdom with harmlessness. If you are sent, you must see clearly—but you must also remain clean in how you respond.
In practical terms, being sent into your workplace means you don’t just show up to complete tasks—you discern culture, dynamics, and pressures with wisdom. You don’t ignore manipulation or confusion, but you also don’t adopt those methods to survive. You remain honest, steady, and grounded. You represent something higher than the room, even while fully engaging in it.
Being sent into relationships means you don’t give yourself blindly, nor do you withhold yourself out of fear. Wisdom helps you recognize where boundaries are needed; harmlessness ensures those boundaries are expressed without bitterness. You stay open without becoming careless and guarded without becoming hardened.
Being sent into conversations—especially difficult or public ones—means you don’t speak just to react. You listen, discern, and respond with clarity. Not every moment requires your voice, but when you do speak, your words carry both truth and restraint. You’re not trying to win, you’re representing.
And then there are those moments Jesus describes so vividly—when you’re put on the spot, misunderstood, or challenged beyond your preparation. Being sent means you trust that what you need will meet you there. Not because you rehearsed perfectly, but because you’re aligned. There is a kind of courage and clarity that shows up in the moment for those who are walking in step with the one who sent them, not just those who feel fully ready.
It’s also important to hold this truth with balance: being sent doesn’t always feel like a perfectly timed release. Some step forward with strong conviction and discover along the way what still needs shaping. That isn’t failure—it’s formation. The issue isn’t simply moving; it’s moving with humility. Those who stay responsive to God can be corrected, refined, and redirected mid-step. Being sent is not about flawless starts; it’s about faithful continuation.
So Sent is not just a title, it’s a posture. It means you walk into every space aware that you are both equipped and accountable. You are sharp, but not harsh. Gentle, but not naïve. Active, but not self-driven.
And here’s the anchor that holds it all together: if you were sent, then you are not alone in what you face, and you are not empty-handed in what you carry. The same voice that commissioned you is the one that will sustain you—guiding your steps, shaping your words, and steadying your spirit. You are not just going. You are Sent.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is the Clergy Officiant at the Evangelical Church of God and associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church, both in the Bronx, NY. He is the President/CEO of The JLR Company and J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (jlorenr@jlr.llc). He writes this column and produces and host’s “Matters of Faith: The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on The Matters of Faith YouTube channel. Be sure to Friend, Like, and Share the column and the channel. Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177
