What Jesus Did! 'Don't Be Misled' — Luke 21:8-11

Saturday, November 25, 2023

[Jesus] replied, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and saying, 'The time has come!' But don't believe them. And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don't panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won't follow immediately." Then he added, "Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven."
— Luke 21:8-11 NLT

Key Thought

In his messages about standing firm in the troubles of life, Jesus now shifts from the destruction of the Temple to warnings about those falsely claiming to be the returned Messiah. Misunderstanding the details and timing about Jesus' return has continued to be a problem for many people. Many have been misled by signs they think they see in our world. Jesus, however, warns that many things will happen before his return - wars, rebellions, earthquakes, famines, epidemics, and heavenly signs, but he says that none of these things are necessarily signs of his return. The key thing in each of these events is not to panic. God is in control, and he will have Jesus come at the proper time. We just need to be prepared.

Today's Prayer

Father, with so many disturbing things going on in our world today, please still the struggles in my spirit and allow me to remain calm and faithful during troubling times. I know that I belong to you, and I also know that when Jesus returns, I will go to be with you - no matter when that time may come. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Preparing for the Lord's Second Coming
Article by David W. T. Brattston
We are to continue to live good Christian lives every day as preparation for the Lord's coming! David W.T. Brattston reminds us of the kind of lives we need to live in preparation for the Lord's Coming.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 21:8-11 NLT — "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and saying, 'The time has come!

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, November 25, 2023

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"Oh forgive us Lord, for so often we seek the things in your hand rather than the things of your heart."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 91:5
"What is this terror? It may be the cry of fire, or the noise of thieves, or fancied appearances, or the shriek of sudden sickness or death. We live in..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'More Than Any Other' (Mk. 12:42-44)
"A poor widow dropped in two small coins, worth less than a cent. He called his disciples and said to them, "I can guarantee this truth: This poor..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Tumbleweed Phenomenon' (Acts 8:1-4)
"Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over....."

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.

More What Jesus Did!