Jesus had just told His followers and the people around Him (while He was in the area of the Temple treasury) that this beautiful building would be torn down to the ground, not one stone would be left standing on another.
  Then He was questioned:
(NASB) Luke 21:7 “…‘Teacher, when therefore will these things happen?  And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?’”

  Those standing there wanted a date, a day, a time.  They may have leaned in, edged closer, watched His eyes and lips as He spoke and listened with intensity and great interest as He continued to answer their questions:

(NASB) Luke 21:8 “And He said, ‘See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’  Do not go after them.
9 ‘When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately.’”

  Jesus indicated that His followers are to take responsibility not to be gullible or misled! 
  Many are going to claim that they are Messiah.  Many will proclaim that “The time is near.”
  Don’t listen to them!  Don’t fall for their misleading statements of lies.

  The Romans did go to Jerusalem in 70 ad and take down that beautiful Temple, they left not one stone on another, just as Jesus said.  The temple was set afire, the gold melted and taken. 

  What must the followers of Christ be aware of today?  There are wars and rumors of wars all over this planet earth.  Followers of Christ are being harassed, persecuted, imprisoned, and tortured because of faith in the living Lord Jesus Christ.
  We are not to be terrified – our God, the Lord God Almighty has told us to expect such things.  He is not surprised.  We are to hang on to Him for He is holding us in His hands…where no one can take us from Him.

  What else did Jesus say that affects our future today?  Next Monday this devotional will consider some of those things.

  For those of you who are living in dire circumstances because of your faith…hang on to Jesus.  For those who live in safer countries; pray!  Pray for those being persecuted for they are brothers and sisters in Christ and they need us to uphold them to God the Father in the name of Jesus.

~ Do Not Be Misled ~