Terror Plot Foiled

A suspected terror plot against the Royal Air Force Fairford (RAF Fairford) military base in the UK was foiled when five suspects were arrested and charged after being stopped in three vans near the base, which is used by U.S. forces. The five suspects face charges related to explosives and terrorism, and officials are investigating whether there is any link to a foreign state, most notably Iran.

Analysis and eternal perspective: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars” (Matt. 24:6). It sounds like a phrase from a fantasy fiction novel or movie, but the words are from the mouth of Jesus in response to the disciples questioning him about the coming end times. Jesus chose to answer within the context of what His disciples (including you) would encounter in the physical world. Jesus warned specifically of many things you see in the world around you today: wars and rumors of war, nations rising against each other, famines, and earthquakes.

Each of the above is cause for worry and concern if your hope is in the physical world, and our takeaway this week is in why Jesus responded in this context. Note the first words in Jesus’s response: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many” (Matt. 24:4-5).

My friend, even in the face of threats of war, famine, earthquake, and all other manner of devastation, Jesus was most concerned about you being deceived! He warned that these crises would in fact be used to deceive many, and His desire for you is that you would see clearly.

A primary reason we gather as The Equipped is because this tactic is being constantly used by the enemy, and we can help each other see through it and decline to be deceived.

Will there be calamity on the Earth? Jesus says yes.

Will those very difficult times be weaponized against you? Jesus says yes. In fact, He says they will be weaponized against you in His name.

You are not to be deceived. It has never been more important to know His name and His character. Events like this terror plot—both plots carried out and those foiled—serve as tallies on the ledger of what is to come. They are composed of evil in their own right. But the primary danger in them comes by way of those who would use them to deceive you. Be wary. Know the Messiah and decline to be taken in by those who come in His name.