Have you ever sweetened a beverage and, after tasting,
discovered someone had substituted the sugar with salt? Not a pleasant
experience! Pranksters and devious people do such things, but since sugar and
salt look identical, how are you to know? The performance of the substance is
the telltale.
Jesus instructs us “to beware” because some people look kind
and caring in appearance, but they intend to cause much harm, especially to
believers, and to keep those without Christ from hearing the truth. He didn’t
say they look like ravening wolves but inwardly are ravening wolves.
“Ravening wolves” paints a picture of viciousness—ripping and tearing—the brutal
nature of the wolf. Wolves seem cruel because they seek out the weak, old, and
defenseless as victims. In Bible references, wolves often signify the enemy.
How are we to know the difference between the sheep and the pretenders?
How do we differentiate without judging? Jesus made the decision-making process
simple concerning sheep and wolves. In verse twenty, He says we will know false
prophets by the fruit resulting from their actions. Imposters cunningly distort
God’s Word, targeting those weary from life’s struggles. The elderly, frail, and
believers in Christ not grounded in God’s Word are prime victims. Ravenous
wolves “drool at the mouth,” waiting to set their fangs into the unsuspecting
helpless to satisfy their evil desires. Imposters of the faith, like ravenous
wolves, are ruthless and leave a trail of carnage from confusion, divisive
ways, lies, and deception.
Sheep follow their shepherd. Consider the people you know.
By their actions, are they sheep following their Shepherd (Jesus) or wolves in
sheep’s clothing, leaving a trail of destruction and ruined lives?
Very very good. So true. Thank you.
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