By: Juliet Constantine

For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. (Matthew 24:24-25 NKJV)
 

Suppose you were travelling on a roadway and saw several warning signs advising you to proceed cautiously because danger was ahead; would you accelerate? I sure hope not. Warning signs are posted as the first step for our protection. The next step is up to us. But what if a mischievous person removed the signs or alters slightly the warning given? Could you tell the difference? This wouldn’t be so easy if you weren’t previously aware of the warning.

Well, Jesus told us beforehand about the enemy’s work of deception. In these last days, Jesus admonished us to be alert and watchful. Some things may seem innocent but are not. The simple will pass on and will be punished. In our world today people don’t often say what they mean. Many times there maybe some underlying meaning that often got lost on the casual listener. It’s the same way, the casual Christian may get caught up in signs and wonders designed to deceive. If they are accustomed to ignoring warning signs, they will be deceived.

The story of Prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel is a fitting example. God’s people were deceived into thinking that Baal gave rain and lush vegetation, resulted in most of them worshiping this false god. Not even the three years of no-rain, which resulted in severe drought and famine, was enough for them to turn back to God. It took a miracle of fire from Heaven.

In the last days, the enemy of souls will be allowed to perform similar miracles of causing fire to come down from Heaven. Not only that, there will be sightings of Christ in different parts of our world. All these are designed to deceive. Many will not see the signs of deception posted along the way. I can just imagine many solidly booked flights bound for those destinations!

If you think you’ll want to go, STOP! Before you book your flight, or before you start to wonder if it’s real, check yourself and look back at what Jesus said. Also, through inspiration, John warned that the devil will perform great signs and wonders and he will deceive those who dwell on the earth. God’s words can keep you. I am sure you will not be deceived, because you were told beforehand. You will only view his signs of deception as ‘camera tricks’ because they are not real. What’s real is what Jesus told us. Jesus said we are not to believe and we are not to go.

Let’s not be casual simple Christians. Instead, let us be diligent students of the Word and demonstrate what we are taught. No matter how compelling the miracles and wonders, do remain steadfast in what Jesus taught.

Oh my Father, we are such a people of sight more than faith. It takes faith to believe and trust Your words. Please increase our faith we pray, and enable us to stand firm in the face of signs of deception. May we remain resolute on Your words because nothing else is worth believing. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – At His Feet” Daily Devotional)