06
Fake News & Fiasco
John TiltonMark 13:5-8
Jesus said to them:“Watch out that no one deceives you.6Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
Jesus clearly was warning the disciples to be careful in drawing conclusions in what they see and hear, less they be deceived. He warned them that they will hear of wars, but not to panic, since such events are inevitable and reality. Furthermore, earthquakes and famines will be forthcoming. However, he tells them that this is all God’s plan, and the beginning of what is to come.
Do not be deceived. But then there is fake news that compounds the deceit that prevails our times. What can one believe today in the news, print media, social media, etc? What can one believe from our national leaders, as reports come out about all of the deceit that has gone on in our government, and others’. We see all of the wars, earthquakes, storms, and erosion of morals. We truly are on the cusp of what God tells us is in store, and that the birth pains have begun.
I and some of our leaders were recently led to believe one thing from a donor, but ultimately even with our best screening, the donor turned out to be a fake. The realization and deceit was pretty disturbing. One would wonder why someone would do such a thing? There’s a natural feeling of wanting justice. Yet, our senior leader’s response in going back to the plan that God has given us prior, is what we are called to do, and place the matter in the Lord’s hands. Lesson learned – be careful and wary of the fakes, and use the lesson learned to be better prepared in the future. Always correct back to the Lord.
About the wars, earthquakes, and calamity in the world today? More reason to look to and stay close to the Lord, His will, and His Way; so that we will have the understanding and strength to endure, but will also know what our part will be as we deal with a reality of what is to come. It is all a part of God’s plan. It is what it is, and what will be will be.
Dear Lord, please lead and guide me each day to stay close to you, and in your Word, that I may not be startled at what goes on in the life and the world, but that instead, I will be able to do your will in my life and in the world.
