Watchmen Who Are not Deceived

Watchmen Who Are not Deceived

"Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you.For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect-if that were possible."
Matthew 24:4, 24

When Jesus left the temple for the last time, He prophesied that not one stone would be left upon another. It prompted His disciples to ask Him in Matthew 24:3, "When will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Then Jesus begins to tell His chosen disciples the signs. He starts with a strong command for His people to watch out so that no one deceives them. Watch out! Beware! Deception will be prevalent in the end.

In the last days, satan's pawns will be released to perform great signs and miracles. False Christs and false prophets will capture the attention of many. They will use this power to woo and to lure the people of the earth. They will appear so believable that people will put their trust in them. The deception will be so great that if it were possible for believers to be deceived, they would be.

Deception is Satan's number one battle tactic. He knows how to twist God's Word just enough where if we didn't take in the full counsel of His Word, we would believe the lie he is serving us. He desires to lure us away from Jesus and to make Him appear to be different than He really is. Deception can be beautiful, enticing, and of course, believable. Remember that Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning (2 Corinthians 11:3). He thrives on outwitting believers and the lost.

We may attend church or sing in the choir with someone who is deceived. Some may be masquerading as Christians because it seems like the right thing to do. Some may be snared before they realized what hit them. Some may be deceived because they have become stagnant in their relationship with God. Maybe they have never experienced true intimacy with God that makes their pulse quicken or takes their breath away. They have never been filled with a godly passion. When these false teachers offer to fill them with a counterfeit passion, they believe it.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 holds the clue to how we do not fall into deception. It says the antichrist will have great supernatural power and will deceive many who refuse to love truth to be saved. So how do we watch out? If people are deceived when they refuse to love truth, then we become lovers of truth. You and I cannot recognize deception by searching for it. You and I recognize deception by comparing it to God's Word. When we immerse ourselves in His Word, we can instantly sort truth from deception.

Additionally, when we saturate ourselves in God's Word, we find the greatest passion in all of life. We find the source of living that makes our hearts beat hot. We realize that our hearts were made to be thrilled. Only the Living God can do all of this. No false prophet can begin to catch our eye. We will only have eyes for Jehovah.

Oh, precious one, are you prepared for this age of deception? The evil one knows his time is short, and he will be furious and increase deception. Are you prepared for a deception that is so strong that if it were possible it would deceive the elect? If so, then stand with me as the bride makes herself ready for the return of her betrothed. Let's arm ourselves with the Word and let's pray.

Pray with me: Oh, God, we ask that You help us to be a people on watch. Do not let us be deceived, Lord. As the Day approaches, deception will increase. Prepare us so that we may be able to recognize deceiving teachers and deceived people. We don't ask this so that we may judge but so that we may discern. Give us wisdom and the words to speak when our beliefs must be shared. Your enemy knows every sign of the last days so please help us, Your people, to know them so that we can act on them. Your enemy has great cunning so we cannot be ignorant but must be Word bearers and hold Your Word in our hearts. It's in the Name above all names, in Jesus' Name, Yeshua's Name, we pray. Amen.