Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-12-18-2018
This is devotional thought number 21 in our devotional series, “The Gospel According to Matthew.”
“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:23, 24).
We are living in the time to which Jesus refers. These are indeed the last days. For many years, we have seen individuals arise and proclaim themselves to be Jesus. Some have performed illusions that by all appearances seem to be authentic miracles. One man in particular, has been teaching since about 1993, that He is the Christ who was to come, and the Jesus who died two thousand years ago failed, and was only a symbol of himself. Many people flock to hear and see what people like these have to offer.
The time in which we live is critical. This is why our Lord began His answer to the curious disciples by saying, “Be not deceived.” Deception is already running rampant in every society in the world. The devil customizes these deceptions to fit the cultures and experiences of all people. It would be well to take heed to the Master’s words. When there are rumors on the television, or even at school that say Jesus is somewhere speaking to people and performing miracles, do not go! The counsel is clear. There are countless reasons to obey Jesus’ command.
God has blessed us with so many words concerning the Christ in His word. Why would we settle for cheap imitations? Choose today, that in the event that you hear of an astonishing spectacle of a being purporting to be Jesus on earth, not to go there. If we do not resolve, with God’s help, that we will not accept personations of Jesus, we will not be on the road to safety from deceptions related to the person of Jesus Christ. “Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.” (Psalm 50:3). He will let us know when He arrives and there will be no mistaking it. “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7).
This has been the gospel according to Matthew. Be transformed by it.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)
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