DON’T BE LED ASTRAY
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “And Jesus answered them, ‘See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and they will lead many astray.’” Matthew 24:4-5, ESV
Theme: Don’t get distracted or misled by flashy false gods.
RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT WE FOLLOW
Jesus instructs His disciples to be sure no one leads them astray. The disciples are independent adults, able to choose whom they follow. Conversely, children are not responsible. Often, we are called children or “like children” in the Bible and God cares particularly for children. New believers are like children. Those at a young age or under the influence and care of parents are children. Which one are you like at this stage of your walk with Jesus?
At some point, believers and children mature and are held responsible. Disciples are capable of discerning who to follow, what is distracting, or what may be deceiving. I often blame false leaders for their poor leadership, lies, and lack of scruples. Yet, as a trained follower of Jesus, the onus is on me, as a mature follower, not to become distracted or deceived. We are culpable once we are no longer children. This is a sobering warning for all of us who see ourselves as dedicated disciples of Jesus – discern and follow well.
CLAIMING TO BE THE ANOINTED SAVIOR AND DELIVERER
Christ is generally understood as a religious term applicable specifically to Jesus. When the Bible was written, “the christ” was equivalent to “someone chosen or anointed.” I have heard claims that someone (usually a church leader) is anointed. The popular show “The Chosen” refers to Jesus’ status as the “Christ,” using layman’s terms.
There are more secular references to someone being a savior or a deliverer. It is true that many claim to be capable of providing salvation or deliverance in the form of advice, a product, a team, community, or a practice. In Old Testament times, “the “anointed” was chosen by God directly. Moses, Joshua, Saul, David, prophets, priests, and of course, Jesus were all anointed to serve in different capacities. However, falsely claiming to be anointed is deceptive. Both the one making the claim and the careless follower will be held accountable. When “follow” is a button you click, the warning to be careful who and what we follow is relevant.
FLASHY FALSE GODS
In the US, false gods rarely parade in the form of artistic statuettes today. Our “golden calves” tend to be more gold and less calf – they are sneaky. Gold, money, or wealth is still as strong a pull towards idolatry today as it was then. Consider what product, service, or membership is integral to your contentment. Do you value that too highly?
The flashy signs that point to the end times or people who claim to know the details seem surely to be worthy of our attention! Yet, hyper-focus on the potential signs might itself be a distraction from living a fruitful life for Jesus. Don’t get distracted by the crazy news you hear. “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:6, ESV). There is a place to recognize signs but not to overreact. “The end is not yet”, and the disciples are instructed “see that you are not alarmed,” although based on the trouble we know they faced and how they died, they may have had some cause to be alarmed.
Make It Personal: Do you expect your savings account to “save” you? Will your delivery service (“Next Day” anyone?) “deliver” you? What influencer offers all the right advice? Are you a responsible believer in Jesus, ready for the responsibility of “seeing that no one leads you astray?” How can you ensure you’re following Jesus and not a false god? Hint: There’s only one Jesus. Anything else that takes priority over Him is a false god.
Pray: God, thank You for giving us discernment. Help me to have the maturity and wisdom to see the false gods and turn from them. Help me to follow You whole-heartedly and without deception or distraction. Reveal to me any area where I have become distracted or misled. Thank You for Your instructions on the matter. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Matthew 24:1-8
Weekly Memory Verse: Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. (Revelation 1:7, NASB1995)