Warning Of Diversions

A diversion is an instance of turning something aside from its course; a deviation; a distraction.  Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Galatians chapter 4:

8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.

9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?

10 You observe days and months and seasons and years.

11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.

12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all.

16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?

17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.

Verse 17 is also translated “Those heretical teachers go to great lengths to flatter you, but their motives are rotten. They want to shut you out of the free world of God’s grace so that you will always depend on them for approval and direction, making them feel important.”

Paul warned the Galatians of teachings that focus on events associated with the calendar which by definition includes the Feast days.  Those whose teachings focus on calendar events often divert our attention from the “now” which is where you and I live each day.  When great emphasis is placed on a dramatic future event to take place on a specific day, there is a tendency to spend our time and focus on that event rather than going about doing FATHER’S business today.  I have personally seen this happen where so-called experts in Biblical prophecy predicted the “Return of Christ” in 1988, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2005, etc.  I have read of earlier predictions as well.

Each time a prediction is missed the expert finds some hidden verse that justifies the postponement.  In some cases, people have sold their houses and possessions awaiting the event only to cry in their pillows when nothing happened.  The expert simply continued predicting another year based on the latest revelation.  Clearly, the expert did not hear FATHER.  People who continue to support and follow these experts are referred to in Paul’s warning mentioned in the above passage.

People who are seeking FATHER want to believe in a major event where FATHER shows HIMSELF mighty to the world because their focus is on the external.  Paul himself once focused on the times and seasons but has been freed from the Law.  Paul knew that the change must occur on the inside rather than the outside.

Paul warns us of the bondage we subject ourselves to when we focus on certain days and months and seasons and years.  I saw myself become of no value in days and weeks leading up to a supposed major event.  I asked myself “Why start anything new when everything is getting ready to change on earth?”  Of course, I missed it as everyone else who was following the teaching of the expert missed it as well.  Jesus summed it up in Matthew chapter 6:

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Let us focus on today’s events and challenges where we can make a difference in other people’s lives.  When FATHER decides to bring forth a major event let us be found in the midst of doing HIS business rather than sitting around waiting and producing no fruit whatsoever.  In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) the servant found doing nothing was cast into the outer darkness which is the farthest point from the presence of FATHER.  Let us not join him but instead let us hear the words ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

One last point.  In Acts chapter 1 the disciples asked Jesus:

6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

Jesus’ response:

7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.”

Comments are closed.