Matthew 24:4–5: “And Jesus answered and said to them: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and will deceive many.'”

January 22nd, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

As Jesus’ disciples, we are to “take heed that no one deceives” us by pretending to come from God with some new revelation. The Greek word for take heed means to “discern and weigh carefully, examine with the mind’s eye.” How we need to be discerning toward those who say they come in “Jesus’ name.” A little healthy skepticism is to be a fundamental part of every believer’s life. Or said another way, as followers of Jesus we are commanded to not believe everything we see or hear.

It is foolish and dangerous to think we can’t be led astray or deceived. Satan was able to deceive Eve, even while she was living in Eden. She was a perfect creation and had daily fellowship with God, yet she fell for Satan’s lie. We live in a fallen world and Satan has been given authority to go throughout the earth lying and deceiving. As a disciple, this should move us to daily be in the Word and prayer, asking God for guidance and discernment. Yet many believers go out into the world each day without giving a second thought to the Bible until Sunday. Even then many go to church empty and depend entirely on the pastor to tell them what God’s Word says. This is a sure fire way to become deceived by some false teacher. We need to ask God to show us more truth every day, and He will. His Spirit will guide us into more and more light.

We love the supposedly true story of the call to the Humane Society in Battle Creek, Michigan, about 2 ducks trapped on a frozen pond. The manager of the animal shelter rushed over, carefully inched his way out on the ice, gently scooped up the two ducks, and made his way back to safety. The reporter said that both of the wooden decoys are in excellent condition.

“LORD, we want to walk with You every step of the way today. Keep us from deception and help us to grow in Your grace. Amen.”