Careful of Misleading

And in answer Jesus said to them: ¨Look out that nobody misleads you.¨ Matthew 24:4 (Reference Bible)

It is good to read often the signs of the times that Jesus gave in Matthew 24 when asked about when we would be approaching the end of our age.  It serves to bring to light just what sort of urgency of life we are living through right now and how close His coming really is.  The depictions He gives are so remarkably like what we see is happening all around.  Perhaps we find ourselves in the middle of all this, at the end or just getting started with the birth pains.

Wherever you see it, Jesus starts His enlightenment for us with this warning.  He tells us to be careful of being led astray.  Why would He do that?

If we take a look around us at the religious scene there seems to be no end to the interpretations on what Jesus meant and what He was pointing towards.  An honest person may conclude that a considerable amount of leading has already occurred for most of us.  Who should we believe?  Who should we follow?

In verse 13 Jesus says: ¨But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.¨

This does not give the impression that the number is incredibly large of those who managed to stay strong until the end.

Perhaps it would be easier on the heart and mind not to dive too deep into these matters.  Perhaps many good people would prefer to leave matters in God´s hands and hope for the best.  Yet Jesus´ words constantly urge us forward into His presence and closer to God.  So the genuine seeker will push harder and further.

Therefore with a careful eye not to be led by anyone, neither friend nor foe, we turn to Him.  Jesus will be our goal and He will be our way. Let no other man define anything for You but take it to Him on Your knees.  Your salvation will not hang on our stand on a dispute between neighboring churches.  In fact if we are looking at them for flaws we have taken our eyes off our Savior where they belong.

Dear Lord, as the wind picks up in this last-of-all great tempests and we near the end of the age, please assist us in placing our attention where it should be.  Firmly set our eyes, our hearts and our interest to You.  Make it our utmost desire and effort to be completely enveloped with Your presence.  Guard us against the attack of any encouragement to direct us anywhere but to You in all actuality.  Let no friend, no great sermon, no social movement or anything of any size get between You and us.  Draw us ever closer and more and more dependent on You.  Become everything for us and in all act and thought.  So that on that great day when the storm is over we too will be among those who never lost sight of You.

Amen