Today’s reading: Genesis 25; Matthew 24; Esther 1; Acts 24
January 24th, 2016
In Matthew 24 Jesus speaks of the end times. Upon this His disciples asked Him for help:
Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. – Matthew 24:3b-4
I’m not sure how the disciples felt but I know I had the thought “that wasn’t really an answer” the first few times I read this account. But my spirit told me I should know better then to think that. To be sure, upon reflection, was it not the best answer? Could Jesus have been saying, let this be your sign, that as the end times come deception will run rampant? Not only giving an answer but also giving a command that can save us. Be not deceived.
Deception is indeed all around us. May we not be deceived. May we be accurate in our interpretation of God’s word and not led astray from the way.
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. – 2 Timothy 3:1–7
May we believe the Word as truth and may our minds be renewed through the real power of Jesus Christ. May we cling to the Word and be not deceived.
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. – 1 Thessalonians 2:13
God would You put up an hedge around us that our paths be lit always in the power of truth? God would You give us understanding so that we may keep Your law with all our hearts? Would You turn our hearts toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain? Would you turn our eyes away from worthless things and preserve our life according to Your word? God we need You. Keep us LORD, would You please? I ask this in Jesus Name. God, thank You. You are good! Amen.