[Jesus Speaking]
If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time. “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.

Gathering on the theme of the previous devotional, we are to be prepared but not worried or anxious. Instead, we test the spirits and do not believe anyone who claims to be Jesus at his second coming. This is because the whole world will know and see when Jesus comes in power and majesty.

His coming will travel far and wide like lightning in the sky. There will be no doubt of his return. Guessing not required. A carcass here is likely a reference to the dead souls who pretend to be Jesus, and those who gather to feed off of their deception.

Great signs and wonders by themselves do not indicate Jesus Christ has come. Purity, sovereignty, and unworldly power will accompany him.

Lord, thank you for this passage that clarifies how you will come. Your coming will blow our minds in its majesty! Protect my heart and keep me close to you so that I may not fall for the deceivers in this world.