In Matthew 24 the disciples came to ask Jesus Christ what the sign of the end of the ages and His Second coming would be. Jesus replied in verse 4 – ”Watch out that no one deceives you!” This was and is a strong warning because the time we live in now, is a time of confusion and deception. Jesus continued in verse 5 – “For many will come in my name, claiming, ’I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.” And in verse 11 He said – “…and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.”
Again, Jesus repeated in verse 24 – “For there will arise false Christs and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect, the chosen ones (genuine Believers/Christians.)
The Greek word for “deceive” is δολιόω = dolioó which means to mislead, to lead astray, especially in the moral and spiritual realm. Deception is on the rise during these end times. One example could be Artificial Intelligence (AL). One written article about it said that “The rise of AL may result in new religions.” Already people are worshipping AL as if it has ALL the answers mankind needs, where people turn to AL for their answers instead of turning to God. This can lead to idolatry.
Many churches around the world have stopped teaching about sin and repentance. Millions of people are being deceived through the media, politicians, and other voices, to what is going on in the world today, instead of listening to what our Blessed Redeemer wants to tell us through His Word and prayers. In John 10:10 it is written, “The thief (Satan and his demons) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in all its fullness.” Here, the words “steal, kill, destroy” describe the destructive motives and aims of the enemy. If we bow to the enemy’s deceptions, we will lose our salvation and Light, but Jesus comforts us that He gives life in ALL its full abundance.
Just like a person locks his house’s doors at night to protect his family from thieves; just so we need to lock the doors of our vulnerable hearts and minds – what we read, listen to and participate in, so that Satan cannot break in or deceive us. Concerning the day of Christ’s second appearance, Jesus says in Mark 13:32, 33 – “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. BE ON GUARD! BE ALERT! You do not know when that time will come.”
Precious Abba Father and our Good Shepherd, who, through the presence of the blessed Holy Spirit – You promise to protect and help us during times of temptations. Thank You that I can turn to You and submit to You in everything I do. Please protect me from the evil one. Please give me a spirit of discernment to realize the times we are living in, and to recognise deception when it comes to me in subtle forms.
Myrtle Turunen