Beware, We are Under Attack!

Be on the watch for the false prophets that come in sheep´s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves.  Matthew 7:15 (Reference Bible)

Right now we are living in the age of information.  Anyone can be an expert on any given field at the touch of a button or click of a mouse.  With the advent of the smartphone you no longer need to fire up the computer even to access the internet and research whatever new theme you choose.  You don´t even need to consult a map or ask advice before leaving the house because we all carry the entire cyber-web of information with all the worlds data updated to the minute.  We walk around with it in our purse or in our pockets.

Not only do we find this superiority of knowledge in the world around us but we find it too within the fold of the lambs of our Lord.

The experts are everywhere.  Every day there seems to be some new superhero spouting the new angle on Christianity and everyone is running to listen, or to buy the book.

Then, Jesus´ words come to us as a reminder.  He gently warns us from the pleasing sounding or looking preacher or evangelist.  Why would He do that?  Aren´t they pushing forward the name of Jesus?  Are they not advancing the spreading of the word of God?  Isn´t the number of people accepting the Lord rising, and isn´t this a good thing?

The answer is yes, but……

Anyone who is not working against us, is in fact working with us.  But let us examine further because the warning still stands.

Matthew 7 verses 15-23 is where we find Jesus carefully guiding us through these murky waters.  Those sincere enough will bring the familiar texts before their Lord in all honesty and check their own accuracy with the source.  Jesus´ voice must be heard by each individual believer.  None of us can ever rest secure on the basis of our own superior thinking or education.

Why would we say that?  We say this because our standing with the Lord is not a cold and unattached thought or conclusion.  Our salvation depends on a relationship.  It is true that decisions must be made, but we can never stop there.  Each and every soul who walks the face of the earth will someday be put to the test on just how closely they walked with the Lord.

How then can we test which voice to follow?  Who can we listen to?  How do we know which is the prophet disguised so nicely as one of the lambs?

There are no new words to write on the subject.  We have no new light to shed.  The sincere believer will return to their knees and open their Bibles.  We are looking in the right direction when we start with the above texts.  Jesus diligently pointed us in a direction and we won´t need to find someone else to listen to or to follow for us to move forward in truth.

In verses 16-20 Jesus shows us how to recognize those teachers who are seeking the glory of the Lord, or those who are seeking some hidden something for themselves.

Then in verses 21-23 Jesus makes it clear that there will be those among the flock, who worked long and hard and spoke loudly in the name of Jesus, who unfortunately will not be recognized on that day of question.  When we come to give account of what we have done, some will be without defense.  It will not be because of the work they did nor the principles on which they stood.  But their eternal fate depends entirely upon the relationship they have.

So many times we confuse the idea of where, or how we are walking and neglect to consider that it is not about where or how, but who.  All the importance is and always has been on who we are walking with.  You may not know the secret password to get into the party, but you may know the one person who will be checking tickets.

Don´t you think we should all spend whatever time or energy we possibly can in dedicating ourselves to cultivating this relationship.

May He be with you and draw you closer to Him as you turn yourself to be close to Him.  He is like that!

Thanks Lord,

Amen

Scott W

 

There is a sensation of fear which enters when talking about such personal and crucial matters.  We must be careful not to enter the realm of those wolves and push our own points.  Rather let us attempt to point back to the true Teacher and encourage each other to return to that source for enlightenment.  So please, do not take my words for anything, but seek the council of the Holy Spirit, He will show us all the Father and the Son.  Waste no time reading further but go to Jesus in humble and honest prayer.

We are not playing a game of little consequence here.  We are touching important subjects that directly affect our spiritual health. This means that it reaches into the realm of the Divine and talks of His property.  So no frivolous thought or action will suffice. Take everything to the Lord in prayer.  We won´t be wasting time when we spend it with Him.