5 “For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 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. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” (Matthew 24:5–8 (ESV)
Jesus warned His disciples of many who would lead many astray. The exact identity of these deceivers is unknown to us. However, three indisputable facts emerge. First, they will come. Second, they will come in saying they are the Christ. Third, they will come saying they are the Messiah in order to lead people astray, or to cause them to wander from the truth.
The Lord also cautioned and commanded His disciples to not be alarmed (θροεῖσθε; throeisthe) or troubled by unfolding events occurring in their lifetime. There would be wars and rumors of wars. There would also be natural disasters such as famines and earthquakes. Jesus said these calamities would take place but the time of His return remained uncertain.
“Wars, earthquakes, persecutions and false prophets are all signs of Jesus’ coming, but they indicate only the certainty of judgment, not its timing. Such signs characterize the entire period between His resurrection and His coming in judgment,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul. “Knowing when Jesus will return might lead His disciples to laziness and laxity in their watchfulness.”
“These troubles were associated with the sufferings many Jews thought would immediately precede the end (e.g., 4 Ezra 9:3; 13:31–32). For Jesus, they are only the “beginning of birth pangs” and characterize life as normal in this age. He describes some of them in Old Testament language (2 Chron. 15:6; Isaiah 19:2; Jer. 51:46),” states commentator Craig Keener.
In October of this year, I will observe my 50th spiritual birthday. It was in 1974 when the Holy Spirit regenerated my soul, enabled me to repent of my sin and place my God-given faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. God converted me by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. I once was lost, but now am found. I once was dead, but now I am alive (Eph. 2:1-5).
During these five decades as a believer in Christ, I have witnessed many self-appointed messiahs predict and proclaim the end of the world and for people to swear unquestioning allegiance to them. Jim Jones and David Koresh were two individuals whose megalomania and thirst for power and influence resulted in the deaths of many who they led astray.
Many charlatans and false prophets continue to influence individuals today claiming to have all the answers, if you just follow them. If you do so, you will have your best life now. Be on your guard. See that no one leads you astray or deceives you.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 