Marie’s daily verse: This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 NLT

DAILY DEVOTION, November 7, 2023

At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. ²⁴ For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²⁵ See, I have told you ahead of time (Matthew 24:23-25).

Jesus issues a warning. There will be false Christs (Greek, pseudochristos) and false prophets in the church. Since no one knows when Christ will return, we must be wary of those who declare “He is here” or “He is coming” on a specific date. Those who speak like this are false prophets pretending to know what only God the Father knows – – – the date of Christ’s return (see Mark 13:32).  These false messiahs can perform great signs and wonders. I don’t know how they do this. I suspect a lot of trickery and deceit is involved. I have seen magicians perform tricks I cannot explain. I suspect the false Christs will be in that category. The “elect” are those who belong to Christ. They have confessed their faith in Him and will listen only to Him. They will not be deceived. Unbelievers will be deceived. True Christians need to stay close to Jesus, living by faith. We have been warned. Don’t believe every crackpot who claims, “I know when Jesus will return.” Father, thank You for Jesus, my Savior. I trust in Him and wait patiently for His return. In His name, Amen