Title: Even the Godly!/ Topic: Deception

Today’s Reading: Job 9; Job 10; Acts 13; Acts 14

Scripture: Acts 13:50
50 But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.

Observation: The Jews were jealous of the popularity of Paul and Barnabas's preaching. So what is their response? They incited persecution against these preachers of the gospel. What is astounding is who the Jews recruited as persecutors; God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city! Wait a minute! How could anyone who feared God persecute His messengers? Couldn't these women discern the truth if they had the fear of the Lord in them? Unfortunately, even godly people can be deceived if they don't have a firm grasp of the truth. Most women back then were illiterate and could not read the Word for themselves. But even today, most believers could be deceived not because they are illiterate, but because they simply don't or won't read the Word. Jesus warned that in the end times the deception of the enemy would be so effective that even the elect might be deceived. (Matthew 24:24)

Application: If I slack off on reading the Word of God, I make myself vulnerable to deception. Anyone who thinks themselves too spiritually mature or too wise to fall prey to the enemy's lies is already deceived! I must never get so arrogant that I feel I can do without daily reading and meditation of the Bible, especially as the return of our Lord gets nearer and nearer.

Prayer: Father, may I never weary of your wonderful Word! So many have given their lives so that I may have it; and so many around the world have only by memorizing it and repeating it to one another. Thank you for this great gift. Through it and through your Spirit keep me from being deceived. Correct me whenever I stray from the truth.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.