And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ;

and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:4-5

       

      I am the poster girl for gullibility or at least I used to be. I like to think I’ve gotten better at separating fact from fiction in the library of life. Still, Jesus is giving a prophetic message about end times in the verses that follow. It’s not a pretty message but the disciples wanted to know.

      Once again this is an example of the disciples asking a question and not getting a direct answer. They wanted to know the one certain sign. Jesus gave them many. I believe they wanted to know what time to expect Him and He told them, and us, what kinds of times to expect. And He told them the most important message: accept no imitations. I’ve heard the antichrist will be charming and convincing. He will have a certain amount of charisma which Christ also had. I can understand how many will be deceived and it scares me to think I could be among those many.

      My mom had a keen sense of hearing as well as touch. Some say it is the natural compensation for the loss of her sight. I think I want to close my eyes, not to shut out the chaos but to tune in and listen. Jesus says His sheep know His voice. I want to listen and follow only The Christ. In fact I want to start now tuning into the undeniable voice of my Shepherd. That should make the deception more difficult. No one speaks or uses words the way He does.  

            Go ahead, close your eyes, tune in and listen. Let no one deceive you.