Nougat 11

In asmuch as we look forward to Christ’s return, we must be careful that our relationship is with Him directly, and not through some mediator. Otherwise, I fear we will be culpable to all manner of charlatans. As we consider today’s Holy Nougat, let’s be mindful of some of the things we need to guard against.

“False christs and false prophets will appear, and they will offer great signs and wonders in order to deceive, if possible, even those whom God has chosen. Look, I’ve told you ahead of time. So if they say to you, ‘Look, he’s in the desert,’ don’t go out. And if they say, ‘Look, he’s in the rooms deep inside the house,’ don’t believe it.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Watch What They Say

This past weekend, we woke up to fresh news of the earth groaning as though in childbirth. A massive earthquake, 6.8 at the epicenter, rocked Morocco, displacing hundreds of thousands, approximately 2,500 dead and countless injured. Already support has been directed towards the survivors, and even next door neighbors have joined the relief efforts.

For many in Morocco, those people offering help are saviours; not objects of worship but in appreciation of the support. This is to be expected, as ‘Howdy an tenky no bruk no square’ – it pays to be polite. However, we realize that we live in an era where we are hungry for miracles, whether it is the healing of loved ones, need for financial help, passing difficult exams, or other such things. The Bible has several stories that indicate this is not new. What is different now is that more and more there are those who would do so literally in Jesus’ name. I clearly recall following an evangelist once, only to see one YouTube episode declaring that the signs and miracles would prove him as a god!

With the ongoing proliferation of signs, miracles and wonders, including resurrection from death, many of us get caught up in the glitz and the glam, mistaking them for the True Source. We can only imagine how much more this will be normalized when it draws closer to Jesus’ return.

As we watch, wait and pray we keep our eyes focused on our True Source so that no matter where we are told to look, we KNOW Whom we are looking for and will not be deceived.

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May all we seek be found in Christ