– Scripture:

Children, time is just about up. You heard that Antichrist is coming. Well, they’re all over the place, antichrists everywhere you look. That’s how we know that we’re close to the end. They left us, but they were never really with us. If they had been, they would have stuck it out with us, loyal to the end. In leaving, they showed their true colors, showed they never did belong. But you belong. The Holy One anointed you, and you all know it. I haven’t been writing this to tell you something you don’t know, but to confirm the truth you do know, and to remind you that the truth doesn’t breed lies. So who is lying here? It’s the person who denies that Jesus is the Divine Christ, that’s who. This is what makes an antichrist: denying the Father, denying the Son. No one who denies the Son has any part with the Father, but affirming the Son is an embrace of the Father as well. Stay with what you heard from the beginning, the original message. Let it sink into your life. If what you heard from the beginning lives deeply in you, you will live deeply in both Son and Father. This is exactly what Christ promised: eternal life, real life!
I’ve written to warn you about those who are trying to deceive you. But they’re no match for what is embedded deeply within you—Christ’s anointing, no less! You don’t need any of their so-called teaching. Christ’s anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. Live deeply in what you were taught.

                          1 John 2:18–27 MSG

– Reflection:

              Antichrists Everywhere You Look

How have we been tempted to consider our enemies to be antichrists? We might not go so far as to use the label but perhaps we treat our opponents that way. Have you or someone you love ever gone down the online rabbit hole in search of material to fulfill some prophetic claim?

Where do we go from here?

If you hear spiritual words used to demean or disparage others, pause and pray. Go back and read what the Bible actually says. Take the time to consider how, in your own life, you might be living “anti” the love and grace of Jesus Christ. With humility, ask God to guide you in faithfulness.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, we are tempted to judge others while refusing to look honestly at ourselves. Show us how we fall short of who you created us to be. By the power of your Spirit, equip us for faithful living. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.