Monday, February 7, 2011

Signs and Wonders

We come to another lengthy passage of Jesus speaking of what will come to pass in the last days. One of the signs that the end is drawing near is an increase in false prophets. It will surprise many to find out that the false prophets will be able to perform signs and wonders (Mt 24:5, 23-25).

Jesus told the disciples “…And these signs will follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them: they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mk 16:15-18).

So, how do we tell the difference?

Look carefully at Jesus’ warning in Mathew 24. False prophets and teachers claim to have the power in themselves (“I am the Christ”), or claim that others have the power (“Look, here is the Christ!”). But Jesus said in Mathew 28 to make disciples , “teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you…”

Signs and wonders that are from God point only to God, never to the person and always come with instructions to follow all Jesus taught.