This chapter mostly contains prophecies from Jesus regarding the horrible events leading up to the end of this age, signs which must come to pass before He returns.
” ‘See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, “I am he!” and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet… And then if anyone says to you, “Look, here is the Christ!” or “Look, there he is!” do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.’ ” (v5-7, 21-22, 32-33)
I don’t want to spark a huge debate at the moment about when ‘the end of the age’ will be, or what our theology on ‘the rapture’ should be (we may cover these subjects in the future). Today I will highlight what Jesus commanded – we ‘need to be ready, on guard, and awake, so we are not led astray’. That is key.
How can we be led astray? There are too many ways to count. Almost every day there are new claims, new views, and new insights into ‘end times prophecy’. Do they have true insight from the Holy Spirit? It’s possible. Do we need to spend our time studying such things? Perhaps, though we should not do so if it will compromise our ability to hear God’s voice or obey Him, or if we will cause others to stumble.
In this scripture Jesus doesn’t call us to focus on interpreting prophesy, or trying to predict His return. He calls us to be spiritually ready and on guard, not only for ourselves, but for others as well. If we are drawn away from obeying God, we may accidentally lead others astray as well. Satan is ceaselessly bombarding believers with false doctrines and theologies, trying to distract us from God’s truth. If we’re firmly rooted in obeying God out of love, we can then love our neighbors by helping those who have been deceived. Of course these things are only possible through partnership with the Holy Spirit – without His guidance we are guaranteed to be led astray, and will likely cause others to veer from God’s true callings.
Father God, our All-Knowing Lord and Creator, we humbly ask for Your forgiveness, and Your help. We have been quick to trust those who falsely claim to be Your prophets, and we are easily led astray. Spirit please help us to submit every thought to You for discernment, learn the Father’s truth, and follow Your voice alone. Please guard our feet from straying, and help us to rescue those who have gone astray. Father please be our strength and shield, our very present help in trouble, so we and Your people would be rescued from the traps of Satan. In the name of Jesus Christ we seek to honor, glorify and obey You, now and forever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training