Be Alert

DEVOTION 2 PETER BE ALERT 2 Peter 2:10-12 Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; 11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. 12 But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish. NIV The continuing saga of those false prophets and teachings and how they are. It is a shame that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ is slandered and shamed by this people who use the Gospel for their own gain and edification. It would seem that at least for the moment, however long that is, the angels will not intervene in this matter. Even through it would appear these people speak evil about the celestial beings. Perhaps maybe they include themselves, as being so spiritual, that they are a part of the celestial membership. This might imply these are men who are wolves dressed in lambs clothing, difficult to distinguish from true men of God, true pastors, shepherds of God’s people. It is only with the help the Holy Spirit that we are able to see them for who they really are, brute beasts, wolves of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, and they will perish. It is a warning also not to presume to be a teacher or a preacher of the Gospel message unless called by God to do so. If for any other reason, danger might be at the door of our life someday. If people elect to become a prophet or teacher of their own will, their own choosing based on ideas of born from their own mind; danger lurks just around the corner. We need to be ever diligent to hearing the call of God before presuming to speak for Him. God has spoken of this through James when He says that not many of us should presume to be teachers because God will hold us to a higher standard, we will judge be more strictly. It would also serve us well to consider the angels do not even accuse these people before God, so neither should we. But that does not mean we should accept what they have to say, or follow after them, supporting their shameful behavior against the Kingdom of God with our money, acting as if there are one of us, and all the while being on the road to destruction. God does call us to spread the Gospel, but for His benefit, we are to serve him, not ourselves, we are to be His ambassadors in a foreign land, we are called to be his people, doing his will. Those who serve self will fail, they will not last, and they will not join us in the everlasting city, the paradise of God. So once again, we should be alert.