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No Matter Who’s Speaking

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” Galatians 1:8

We seem to be a culture that is swayed by personality. Through the years, I have had the privilege of meeting some very prominent people. There is a picture in my office of Pam and me standing beside Billy Graham. We felt very blessed. Even though Dr. Graham is in ill health now, it is amazing to think of how the Lord has used him. Like others, I have talked to a few famous golfers and got their autographs, and even met a few politicians. Even though each of these are people, human beings not significantly different than us, we feel different in their presence as if they are something more. And when they speak, we tend to listen.

I have watched people who get caught up listening to people that inspire them, move their emotions, or get them excited, and they seem drawn into their wake. It is easy to do. But if they listened closely to what the person is saying, it does not match up with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And that is what Paul is addressing here. He is appealing to a group of people who are being led away by an influential voice. And he says, even if an angel, one of the most powerful beings in creation, comes and speaks something different than the true Gospel, may they be cursed by God.

The warning for us is this: Don’t get caught up with the messenger, listen carefully to and discern the message. And if their message conflicts with the Gospel of Jesus, run! Don’t be led astray by something false just because you are drawn to the package in which it was delivered.

Prayer Focus: Lord, help us to discern the Spirit of truth and error, and deliver us from being drawn through the personalities or actions of people. May we be drawn by You and Your Spirit in all things.

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