And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:4-5
Advertisement is a lucrative business. It is how we, the consumers, are sold on so many unnecessary items; and product and packaging is the key. If it looks good, then it must be good; if it sounds alluring, then you must try it. From make-up to medicine and so many other products; advertisement is geared towards making everything seem so appealing and entice us to "try and buy."
Matthew writes this gospel to convince the Jewish readers that Jesus is the King of the Jews, and has come in the flesh and is without a doubt, the real thing. He is the prophesied Messiah that’s mentioned in the Old Testament and the promised Deliverer! Yet, the people still reject the idea, even with the wonderful presentation, they still don’t believe that He is, who He says He is.
During this time, Jesus is talking to his disciples about some questions they have. I love the way He answers and I paraphrase, He says as opposed to be worrying about the when and what of things to come, be concerned about not being deceived by what you see and hear and in particular, who, you hear it from. In verses 6-13, Jesus tells them of some things to come and how they will come and “who” could possibly bring you information in regards to what’s happening (verses 23-26). However, He cautions them to beware, be on guard, be careful, take heed and pay attention, and not let any man deceive, mislead, misinform, or convince you otherwise because many shall come in my name, claiming to be the Christ.
We have to know that we know, who is the real thing. For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light deceiving many (2 Cor 22:13-15). False prophets will come and entice you with their words and their wonders. For the time will come when man will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (2 Tim 4:3-4). They will come with the presentation of what they’re selling will want you to “try and buy” but beware of these wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt 7:15) for their only purpose is to draw you in as prey to devour you. We need not be concerned about the how and the when, and the what of things, but concerned about the who. Who are we going to trust, who are we going to believe, who are we going to take refuge in, who are we going to have faith and stand in? Who?
Jesus is the same always, and unchangeable, according to Hebrews 13:8. He is the one absolute constant in our life, the real deal, the real thing. His faithfulness, love, care, and devotion to us cannot to be compared to any other. Although, the false prophets and angels of light can also come in that way, give it some time because soon whatever is in you wil eventually come out. You can only fake it for so long before the real you shows up. But not the Lord, He never changes. His way is the right way - for He is the way, the truth and the life. Jesus will lead and guide us on the course to righteousness, heading on the right path even during the tumultuous times, both now and in times coming. He admonishes us to follow His lead, follow His word and to stay on course, so that we are not deceived or mislead. Know the word and know Jesus, He will never lead us astray or instruct us to anything unwise. But you have to know Him and know the difference!
If I took a little taste test (Psalm 34:8) today, I guarantee you that I know Coke from Pepsi. Simple illustration, because you have to know the real thing!
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
Advertisement is a lucrative business. It is how we, the consumers, are sold on so many unnecessary items; and product and packaging is the key. If it looks good, then it must be good; if it sounds alluring, then you must try it. From make-up to medicine and so many other products; advertisement is geared towards making everything seem so appealing and entice us to "try and buy."
Matthew writes this gospel to convince the Jewish readers that Jesus is the King of the Jews, and has come in the flesh and is without a doubt, the real thing. He is the prophesied Messiah that’s mentioned in the Old Testament and the promised Deliverer! Yet, the people still reject the idea, even with the wonderful presentation, they still don’t believe that He is, who He says He is.
During this time, Jesus is talking to his disciples about some questions they have. I love the way He answers and I paraphrase, He says as opposed to be worrying about the when and what of things to come, be concerned about not being deceived by what you see and hear and in particular, who, you hear it from. In verses 6-13, Jesus tells them of some things to come and how they will come and “who” could possibly bring you information in regards to what’s happening (verses 23-26). However, He cautions them to beware, be on guard, be careful, take heed and pay attention, and not let any man deceive, mislead, misinform, or convince you otherwise because many shall come in my name, claiming to be the Christ.
We have to know that we know, who is the real thing. For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light deceiving many (2 Cor 22:13-15). False prophets will come and entice you with their words and their wonders. For the time will come when man will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (2 Tim 4:3-4). They will come with the presentation of what they’re selling will want you to “try and buy” but beware of these wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt 7:15) for their only purpose is to draw you in as prey to devour you. We need not be concerned about the how and the when, and the what of things, but concerned about the who. Who are we going to trust, who are we going to believe, who are we going to take refuge in, who are we going to have faith and stand in? Who?
Jesus is the same always, and unchangeable, according to Hebrews 13:8. He is the one absolute constant in our life, the real deal, the real thing. His faithfulness, love, care, and devotion to us cannot to be compared to any other. Although, the false prophets and angels of light can also come in that way, give it some time because soon whatever is in you wil eventually come out. You can only fake it for so long before the real you shows up. But not the Lord, He never changes. His way is the right way - for He is the way, the truth and the life. Jesus will lead and guide us on the course to righteousness, heading on the right path even during the tumultuous times, both now and in times coming. He admonishes us to follow His lead, follow His word and to stay on course, so that we are not deceived or mislead. Know the word and know Jesus, He will never lead us astray or instruct us to anything unwise. But you have to know Him and know the difference!
If I took a little taste test (Psalm 34:8) today, I guarantee you that I know Coke from Pepsi. Simple illustration, because you have to know the real thing!
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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