See, I Have Told You Beforehand
Henry Omotayo
See, I Have Told You Beforehand (Matthew 24:22-25)
Message No. 0498 | Twitter @GodandUs |
Read Past Messages at: https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/wordforwise
It is perhaps fair to say that we have not, at any point in our lifetime, experienced the wave of disruption, confusion, misinformation and disinformation that we currently see in our societies. The information dissemination platform that was enabled by the internet has turned out to be the greatest weapon in the hands of those who live by manufacturing lies and distributing them to innocent, unsuspecting people.
Earlier when COVID-19 became pronounced, we started seeing lies and conspiracy theories emerging. Some claimed to be government officials in China where the virus was purportedly manufactured and was initially meant to deal with the striking public in Hong Kong. Others claimed that the virus was created by China to bring down the United States. Yet, others say that the Coronavirus was a grand plan between the U.S. and China, to reduce the population of the world, and that these governments know what they are doing and are not telling us the truth.
This past week saw a dramatic increase in the number of theories that are coming out from different parts of the world. Some sound the alarm ‘Do not take the vaccine’ because, according to them, the vaccine is either designed to eliminate people or to plant some chips inside our bodies so the government can monitor us. The problem is, there is no vaccine! At least, not yet. We have heard many people say ‘God spoke to me’ and then they go on to say things that are not supported by the Bible. Recently I heard someone say that people should repent because sins committed before 2022 will be forgiven by God but sins committed from 2022 will not be forgiven. Where is the Bible passage that supports this? The surprise is that these people speak so emphatically that the unsuspecting will actually believe or begin to believe.
To say that we need to be extra careful at this time is, perhaps, an understatement. We not only need to be careful, so we don’t contract the virus (a temporary enemy), we need to be more careful, so we don’t contract the lie (a more dangerous foe). Speaking to His disciples about the signs of the end time, Jesus, in Matthew 24 verses 24 and 25 revealed:
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.
Today, we are seeing false prophets and tomorrow, we may begin to see new false christs who would tell us that they have the solution. These are unprecedented times, for, though the world has witnessed far worse pandemics before (such as the Spanish Flu of 1918 which was said to have killed about 60 million people across the globe), at no time in our history have we the power to deceive and confuse people as we currently do. People are taking advantage of the shock created by the Coronavirus to spread their own gospel – the gospel of confusion.
Jesus Christ told His disciples “See, I have told you beforehand.” With knowledge from the infallible Word of God, all we need to do at this time is to stay calm and remain in prayers for God to take control of the situation we are in. World leaders are completely powerless (they can’t shoot or bomb the virus) and world health systems are completely overwhelmed (they are not prepared for the sheer volume of infected people). There’s only one Entity we can put our trust in – God. He, it is, who can shield us from any plague, as He did Israel in Egypt.
While the world is busy sharing lies and disinformation, we need to share the truth. While the world is social-distancing or physical-distancing, let us call and encourage one another. The Bible says in Proverbs 27:17 that iron sharpens iron and even so does a man sharpen the countenance of his friend. We may not be able to meet brethren physically, but calling and encouraging one another would certainly sharpen our countenances. This period will pass, and our lives will resume again, if Jesus tarries. Until then, I pray that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ abides with us all. Amen. Please beware of the deception, stay safe and remain blessed!
PLEASE ACT NOW:
If you are yet to give your life to Christ, you do not have a covenant with God and His promises do not apply to you. To come under these promises, please surrender your life to Christ today, by praying this prayer:
Lord I know that I am a sinner and I am unable to save myself. I am sorry for my sins and I pray that you please forgive me. I am aware that Your Son Jesus died for my sins and I accept Him as my Lord and savior. I surrender my life unto you from this moment. Please take control of my entire being and help me to be obedient to your Word, going forward. Thank you, Lord, for hearing me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed the foregoing prayer, you have just been born again. Please find a Bible believing church in your area and ask to see the pastor. Let him or her know that you have just given your life to Christ and s/he will guide you on next steps in your journey as a child of God. The Lord bless you!
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