Advent - December 12

Psalm 41, 44, 52

Zechariah 1:7-17

Revelation 3:7-13

Matthew 24:15-31

As Christians, we often pride ourselves on knowing right and wrong. We slip into the prideful notion that our ethic stands superior to all others because we receive our directions directly from God.

But how sure are we?

Today warnings about false prophets and false messiahs fill the passages. In a world filled with more and more religious extremism from all faiths, how can we be sure we are following the one true Messiah, Jesus Christ? None of the false prophets and false messiahs proudly proclaim that they are the False Prophet! Instead they assert their genuine nature. Often they humbly approach the ministry while preaching the absolute gospel.

So how can we be sure we are following the one true Messiah?

First we must know his teaching. Jesus explained the law not only to the letter but to the intent. We must know both. By knowing both the letter and the intent, we can then rely on the Holy Spirit, left with us, to know true and false teachings proclaimed from even the most sincere false messiah. Growing in faith allows us to have comfort with the Holy Spirit, and with the Holy Spirit we continue to grow in faith.

False prophets abound in the world today. They preach though mass media. They paint fearsome pictures wrapped with hope in the Lord. But somewhere along the way, they lost the direction of the Lord and the Holy Spirit. Only when we hide the Word in our heart are we able to know when those who would lead us astray are doing so.

As we continue in this season of preparation, let us come hold his Word close that we will be able to reject those who would lead us away.