What Jesus Did! 'Like Lightning!' — Matthew 24:23-28

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

[Jesus continued:] "Then if anyone tells you, 'Look, here is the Messiah,' or 'There he is,' don't believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones. See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.

"So if someone tells you, 'Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,' don't bother to go and look. Or, 'Look, he is hiding here,' don't believe it! For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes. Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near."

— Matthew 24:23-28 NLT

Key Thought

Pretenders and deceivers! In essence, that's what Jesus calls the false messiahs and false prophets. They are fakes, phonies, and liars.

When Jesus returns, he assures us that there won't be any doubt about it. Everyone will know, just as lightning can be seen on the horizon. His return will be with glory and power. This glorious day will not be hidden from anyone. Instead, it will be a day to glory in for all of God's people!

So we are not to lose heart as we wait for his return. We haven't missed the boat. He hasn't forgotten us. When he comes, we'll share in his victory!

Today's Prayer

O Lord, please give me patience as I wait for Jesus' return and the vindication of your truth before all peoples. Please bless the efforts to win the lost of every nation so that they, too, can be prepared for that glorious day. Forgive me for the sins of doubt and impatience, and replace them with confidence and anticipation of the Lord's return. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 11:14-15
  • 1 John 2:18-29
  • Philippians 2:10-11

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 24:23-28 NLT — "Then if anyone tells you, 'Look, here is the Messiah,' or 'There he is,' don't believe it."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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