“The Serpent Dove” comes from a text found in the Bible in the book of Matthew. In chapter 10 verse 16, Jesus is talking to His disciples about what the future is going to look like as He sends them out to create His Kingdom on earth. He let’s them know it’s going to be different, and probably dangerous, and then finishes with this:

“Now, remember, it is I who sends you out, even though you feel vulnerable as lambs going into a pack of wolves. So be as shrewd (wise) as snakes yet as harmless as doves (gentle).”

Reading that verse for the first time caused me to think of how the devil took the form of a serpent in the Garden of Eden and tricked Adam and Eve into trading their identity for the lie he was giving, and it almost scared me to read (let alone use it as a blog title). But I recognized how wise the devil actually was in his trickery—and I realize that it is not the trickery that Jesus wants from us, but the understanding of how the world works and the wisdom to step out and fight for the people in it. This, united with gentleness, can bring life to the dead, a literal resurrection. By gentleness I mean compassion, life-giving speech, a heart that is slow to anger and quick to give encouragement, and a voice that declares truth over people.

When I first read the verse above it hit me hard how real it was. It caused an idea to spark in my heart about a blog title (I had been searching one for a few months already) simply because these are Jesus’ exact instructions—-to be wise and understanding of the devil, the world, and our own nature, and to also be gentle in battling with these three forces. After all, a gentle spirit overcomes all evil.

My prayer for this blog is to shine Jesus’ light in the world and to answer questions that I know I have always struggled with, wrestled with, and still question. I hope that along the way I can help people realize the love Jesus has for us and the grace and peace He is longing for us to take hold of.

I plan to be as honest and real in each of my posts—-admitting my faults, weaknesses, and mistakes—-because vulnerability, trust, and grace are such wonderful things! I also want to be able to share the joy and happiness that I find in the everyday things that God has created for us and I hope that you find joy in them too. I pray that God works through this blog and through me and ultimately that you will connect with our Father, the Creator, through it.

Love, your brother,

Seth Robert

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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33