End Time Warning!!
Last week’s blog, “Truth Brings Freedom”, was about the lies currently being told on corporate and social media, and the corresponding truths. This week’s blog, I think Holy Spirit wants to continue that truth/lie theme with Jesus’ end time warning. A couple of days ago I “happened” to be reading Matthew 24, which is about the end times, and verse 4 jumped out at me. Here is the setting, the warning, and the two actions Jesus said to do.
“3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.
9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:4-14
Yes, you’ve probably read this passage of scripture a bunch of times. However, have you read it in light of current events? Did you catch the end time warning? Let’s unpack these verses a bit and learn what Jesus is saying to us today.
Verse 4 is the warning, “Watch out that no one deceives you.” We live in an information age with many contradicting voices yelling out what they say is the truth. How do you know “they” are speaking the truth? Jesus warned that many will claim they will save you from xyz (Messiah means savior), and many will be deceived. For example, masks are good vs. masks are bad, COVID-19 will kill you vs. COVID-19 survival rate is 99%+, this diet, financial plan, exercise plan, potion and lotion, teaching, formula, way of praying, etc., is awesome or it really isn’t. You get the idea. When both sides have truth, how do we know the whole truth, or know which one we should follow?
Two actions Jesus said we need to do. One, he said to “Watch”. The definition is to “look at or observe attentively over a period of time, and exercise care, caution, or restraint about”. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 puts it this way. “20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.” The point is not to react but to respond after watching and testing. The truth will be known. Once it is, you have a decision to make. What are you going to do with the truth?
The second action Jesus said is to “stand firm to the end.” Knowing the truth and standing in the truth are two very different actions. You may know the truth but prefer to “go along to get along”. That’s why sometimes it takes great courage and discernment to “stand” for truth, especially since a deception can be 99% truth, leaving the majority of people confused and deceived.
However, as followers of Jesus’ teachings we can know the truth. “31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
If the truth sets you free, what deception are you believing today that’s keeping you wobbly and in fear? Are you afraid of being persecuted by the cancel culture, hated by others, and being betrayed by family and friends? Jesus said these things would happen and they are not pleasant nor easy. Nevertheless, He said to “stand firm”. Listen to His voice, which often comes as your thoughts and gut feelings based on scripture, for your direction and strength. As the saying goes, where He guides He provides.
So today, may you not be deceived but “watch” and “stand firm” in the truth that God reveals to you about every situation. That may be hard to do for a period of time, but in the end, you will be blessed and be a blessing In Jesus Name! Go forth bold, blessed, and brilliant! Subscribe and comment below.