The Bench Warmer
Matthew 24:4-5 "Jesus answered: Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will
come in my name, claiming, I am the Christ, and will deceive many." NIV
A friend sent me a hilarious on-line video. It featured a retriever type dog
with a stick. The dog was almost wild with anticipation as he kept grabbing the
stick and dropping it at the feet of a man sitting on a bench. The bench warmer
however didn't respond no matter how excited the animal got or how many times
the dog picked up the stick, ran about with it and then dropped it back at the
fellow's feet. The person shooting the video can be heard chuckling away to
himself as he watches his dog's antics and the non-responsive bench warmer. The
reason he is laughing is because the bench warmer is a bronze statue. This poor
dog was deceived. The statue looked like a man but it wasn't a man at all.
Likewise Jesus' warns his disciples that as the end of the age approaches there
will be those who claim to Him. They will even be able to do miracles and
perform wonders but they will not be who they claim to be, they will not be the
Christ, so be warned, be prepared. But how does one prepare for the coming of
Christ so that they are not deceived by the imposters? Jesus gives us the answer
in Matthew 24:26-27 NIV
"So if anyone tells you, There he is, out in the desert, do not go out; or, Here
he is, in the inner rooms, do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from
the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."
Yes, when Jesus returns no one will have to tell us, for his return will be
without precedent, no one will be able to miss it. So until that day, let us
choose to stand firm no matter what may come, let us take the opportunity to
wipe the smile of the devil's face by not being deceived and enticed away by
false prophets, ideas or discouragement as we see our world becoming more and
more anti Christian.
Prayer: Father God we thank you that you have a plan for this world. We thank
you that no one can stop or alter your plan and that it will evolve in exactly
the right order and at the right time. So until that day when Jesus returns, or
we are called home to heaven, strengthen and empower us to stand firm upon the
truth and hope of your word that none of us shall be deceived. In Christ's name
we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, B.C.