1 John 2:18 --- Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that the antichrist is coming [the one who will oppose Christ and attempt to replace Him], even now many antichrists (false teachers) have appeared, which confirms our belief that it is the last hour.
Today with the Lord has been wonderful and after praying for a while, we moved into study something interesting in 1 John 2, the antichrist.
Being extremely transparent here, I spent most of my life avoiding confrontation in all forms. All I wanted was to fly under the radar of every other human on Earth except those closest to me. Living a life avoiding confrontation spilled over into everything and really became not just a habit, but part of who I was. So, when confronted by tough, uncomfortable scriptures or subjects I knew others could argue over, I'd duck, dodge, bob, and weave, then shuffle my way out the side door. Usually that amounted to a lot of nodding my head if someone was talking about it. Throwing in the occasional, "Uh huh... hmm... really...". That's standard procedure in the chameleon's guide to conversation on tough, confrontational, and controversial things.
I say all of that because today's scripture moves into talking about end times and the antichrist. Sadly, these can become very heated subjects for argument among Christians. Even when there isn't an argument, there can be varying opinions on end times things. Which means... confrontation. Well God's told me I can't hide any longer so here I am. LOL.
I used to read this verse and the first thing I'd think was, "Why did John say, 2000 years ago, it was the last days? Was his timing off?". I would look at it very logically and try to dissect and understand that. I've come to realize, as I've walked longer with the Lord and our relationship has deepened, why John words it this way. If you read your Bible, you can clearly see the signs of the times it outlines and if your heart longs for His return, longs to be with Him, then there is this expectancy He could be here any moment. It's living a life expecting Him at any time. Not out of paranoia, or fear, or duty, but because you long to be with Him. Like a good friend or family coming over you haven't seen in a long time, and you just can't wait for them to get there. Every minute that goes by, you're looking out the window, thinking surely, they'll be there any moment.
John then moves to the antichrist. He alludes to the fact that The Antichrist will show up one day to start end times tribulation stuff from revelation but he's clear that there are already many antichrists or false teachers who are here now. He uses the same term because really both parties have the same intent and that is ANTI - JESUS. (don't worry Greek word break down soon to follow! LOL)
Now some may think of antichrist as the opposite of Jesus, meaning an evil person doing evil things, but the Bible tells us the devil is craftier than that. He's exceptionally good at twisting God's truth just enough so it sounds okay, sounds sort of like the bible, and anyone who isn't walking in relationship with the Lord, doesn't know the Word, doesn't know what the voice of the Shepherd really sounds like, will fall for it.
If we break down the actual Greek, the word is antichristos meaning adversary of the Messiah.
When you go a step further and break that word into its Greek roots you can take the word Anti which in Greek is anti and means against, opposite, instead of, in place of.
So, the people John refers to here are not blatantly sinful, evil people, wearing red costumes, carrying a pitchfork. Where God pointed my eyes and mind was to the "instead of" in the definition of anti. Very quickly I hear and see our current world that offers many paths to heaven, it's all one god and there are many ways to get to him. If you are a Christian, get in the Word and make sure you know that you know there is only one way and that is Jesus, because it's non-negotiable.
So, John's heart again is for his dear little children, lovingly he warns there are false teachers already present, those who oppose Jesus, those who offer the "Instead of" Jesus. My oh my how today, in 2022, there are MANY MANY, oh so many more, "Instead of" Jesus teachers and personalities out there. They'll look and sound Christian, but in the end their message will point to themselves, to yourself or to the world. The very things John just got done telling us not to love or God's love will not be in us.
Just some deep things to really think about today.
As I talked with the Lord on what we'd draw today, he led me to the fun image of Little Mac from the 1987 Nintendo game, 'Mike Tyson's Punchout". No more ducking and dodging for me. LOL. I laughed the entire time I drew it because of the simple joy He's given me in our time together.
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