SCRIPTURE:
“The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’ The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down from here. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is said: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Luke 4:3-12
OBSERVATION:
The devil intently tempted Jesus. The devil knew that Jesus was infallible, but yet was trying to trick Jesus into manifesting His and the Lord’s powers in order that Jesus would go against God’s will and therefore the devil would gain Jesus’ allegiance. However, Jesus is the rock and would not be tempted as He knew the Father’s will and the game the devil was playing.
APPLICATION:
It reminds me of the “double dare” when I was a child. We would dare others to do things with more trickery and proving a point. It would often be something naughty and therefore imploring the person to take a risk to do the naughty thing. Sometimes, we would respond and do it just to feel like were victorious. However, unlike breaking a rule as a child, going against the will of the Lord is risking our lives.
Through God’s Word, we know the Father’s will and sacrifice of His son. Thus, we know the game the devil plays each day in trying to temp us into the ways of the world. Food, fame, and fear are real temptations in these days. Thus, the motives have not changed, or the temptations. Like Jesus, we need to hold on to the Father’s will, remembering what Jesus did in sacrifice that we might not succumb to the world and its temptations, and know that we overcome fear by the power of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, the devil’s game is so clear. Please guide and strengthen me through the Holy Spirit to recognize his games and stand steadfast in your will, your promises, and your plans for my life. May I be unwavering as Jesus was, even when I find myself weaker in desert times.
