1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Luke 4:1-4, KJV
Today begins the Lenten season – the 40 days leading up to the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This passage of scripture found in the Gospel of Matthew introduces us to Jesus’ period of preparation before earthly ministry. He is challenged by a variety of temptations coming from the devil. Throughout this experience, Jesus teaches us how to be victorious over Satan’s “if’s…”
The story of Jesus’ temptation vividly depicts the treachery of the devil, seeking to derail Jesus from his mission and life’s purpose by trying to persuade him to get off track, give in to his weaknesses and to satisfy his cravings for a season. But Jesus was equipped with something far more superior than tempting tactics and words of the devil. Jesus had the words of his Father hidden deep down in his heart.
Jesus’ responses tell us something about our Heavenly Father’s words.
Jesus’1st response to the devil.
Verses 3 and 4 of our text declares,
3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Jesus knew that His Father’s words were trustworthy. Jesus let the devil know that physical food, while necessary will not satisfy you. Only God’s Word gives life. In other words, his Father’s words were life giving. His father’s words enabled him to “live” life. Even though he was hungry, he trusted His father’s words over the temptations of Satan.
In order to defeat the devil's "if" about who you are, about what you need, about what will satisfy, you've got to know God's Word. God's Word is the light and life and breath of our souls. When you know God's Holy Word, when you stand upon His promises, when you quote His wisdom to yourself, you beat back the lies and temptation that the devil sends your way. God’s Word teaches us how to “live” verses “exist.” So many are not living life, but rather are moving throughout the corridors of long dark seasons, pondering their purpose, their worth, their reason… Those thoughts open the gateway for the devil’s if’s…
Jesus knew the power of His Father’s words. When we embrace that power, we will unlock the doors that carry us from existing to living abundantly. When you speak God's Word over and into your spirit, God breathes life into you. When you trust God's word, you are less vulnerable to the lies that Satan tells you about yourself. You trust when God's word says, "You are fearfully and wonderfully made." You trust God's word when it says, "I know the plans that I have for you…plans never to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future…" You trust God's word when it declares that you are the righteousness of God. You trust God's word when it declares that if you confess your sins God is faithful and just to forgive you and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Trusting God's Word will help you defeat the devil's "if’s" and transition you from existing to living.
The consistent love of Jesus’ Father made him secure in himself. In each of the devil’s attempts, he began by questioning who Jesus was, “If you be the son of God….” “If…..” Inherent in the “if” is the question, are you really who you say you are?
Every day, the devil is bombarding God’s children with the question – “If you be so and so then do thus and so….” We must learn that we don’t have to prove anything to the world. We must open our hearts to hear God’s voice, calling and purpose for our lives. We must seek, by God’s grace to live out our purpose.
God is our heavenly Father. He is the supreme example of a Father. God is saying, “I’m here for you – I believe in you, I know all about you, I have a plan for your life. You are beautiful and you are mine.”
During this Lenten season, ask the Lord to increase your thirst for God’s Word. Embrace the promises found therein. Find the answers God has for your life. Move beyond the If’s and run into the arms of a loving God that reveals your true identity!
Post a comment or send me an email at Revcsmith1@gmail.com
Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org
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