Hungry Wolves

Scripture/Bible: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. 18 A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will know them by their fruits. Matt 7:15-20

Reflection:  How many of us can confidently say that they can identify a false prophet from a true one?

If you think this question is neither worth pondering nor answering then you are in for trouble? Jesus compares these false prophets, in our midst, to ravenous wolves and that too coming in deceptive form, in sheep’s clothing. 

One of the qualities outlined by Jesus is their hungry nature, as one being ravenous.  It definitely doesn’t mean that they are going to eat us, but rather it definitely means that they are a hungry lot.

What do they hunger for or what is the ravenous nature that we need to be careful about?

Is it not their deep hunger for self glory, increased membership in their pet projects,agenda's and programmes for human emancipation, at any cost, even at the cost of inducing fear or if in authority then imposing their ideologies, increased hunger for attention and publicity, wanting to create a name for themselves at the cost of compromising on the truth and the Gospel of Christ.

Any form of false indoctrination, teaching of erroneous doctrine and instilling a false kind of fear, working through deception and ultimately seeking an increase in their following through cleverly devised and secure plans.

It means a deceptive way of going about, by coming in sheep’s clothing.

They may even hunt in packs and have a common vision, goal and unity which almost camouflage the gospel spirit of unity, love, peace and brotherhood.  They have an insidious plan with a never satisfying appetite and may give the impression that they are in the service of God.

Of such wolves the Lord says this: “Her princes in the midst of her are like wolves tearing the prey, shedding blood, destroying lives to get dishonest gain.” Ezek 22:27

Prayer: “deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men. For, lo, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men band themselves against me. Ps 59:2-3

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