2 PETER 2:1-3, 12-19
On a mountain, a hiker once noticed a goat that was different from the rest of the herd. It was discovered upon closer investigation that the strange creature was actually a man disguised as a goat. When police got in touch with him, he explained his disguise as a painter’s suit lined with fleece and claimed he was practicing it for a hunting trip.
The hunter’s trick makes me think of Jesus’ warning to beware of false prophets who approach us in the appearance of sheep but are really ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15). False teachers lack the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Instead, among many other traits, they walk according to the flesh and despise authority (2 Peter 2:10).
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, sacrificed His life for His flock rather than for personal benefit. God does not wish for anyone to be deceived by false teachings. He wants us to be cautious of those who lie and to follow the real Shepherd of our souls (Jesus Christ) and His true undershepherds.
There are many substitutes, but there is only one Christ.
šš¼ At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow,
every tongue confess him King of glory now;
this the Fatherās pleasure, that we call him Lord,
who from the beginning was the mighty Word.
– Caroline Maria Noel
