It is true that Y’shua urged the disciples to guard against deception. Yesterday, we explored one reason why we ought to guard against deception. Now let’s dig deeper into what Y’shua desires us to do. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Matthew 24:4-5 NIV
[4] Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.
[5] For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.
Guard Against False Messiahs
I recall my seminary-mate Nancy sharing about ‘Saviour Syndrome’. It often occurs among believers and non-believers who are keen on rescuing the world from all life’s ills. This is not restricted to any one personality type but may manifest in anyone.
Self-Check
Do you have Saviour Syndrome? For the record, it is believed that many of us who minister act in that way.
Application
Here’s the great news – Saviour Syndrome is not what Y’shua was warning the disciples against. False Messiahs may have started with those personality issues, but they got caught up in the sense of superiority that they started to believe themselves immortal. Eventually, such persons begin to tell others to follow them. Some have even been bold enough to claim themselves as the Messiah! Should you be interested in who those are, you’re welcome to visit Wikipedia or other sites that will furnish you with names across centuries and religious lines.
Note that the First Commandment declared that we must venerate no one above YHWH, our God. Y’shua also warned against such attitudes. He was very clear, even about the names we ought to use to refer to ourselves in leadership. We also ought to note that the proliferation of Messiahs is the sign, not the end. So, let’s not get worried. Rather, let’s choose to get to work, ensuring that whatever we’ve got to do that’s outstanding is done.
Point to Ponder
Also, we need to be in prayer for those who are making claims that they are the returned Messiah.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
