Today’s Reading:
Matt. 4:1-10 (4)
"But He answered and said, "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (v.4 NKJV)
God is never the agent of temptation, but here as in the case of job, he uses satanic tempting to serve his sovereign purposes (Jas. 1:13). Satan tested Jesus on all points (Heb. 4:15; 1Jn. 2:16): lust of the flesh (vv. 2-3); lust of the eyes (vv. 8-9); and the pride of life (vv.5-6). Temptation here is a testing to demonstrate genuineness, faithfulness and character. Jesus' temptation was very real, and it affirmed him qualified to be the Redeemer and Messiah.
Again, the personal references to the tempter reveals that he is real and not just an evil influence (v.3). Satan is temporarily the prince of this world (Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11), the god of this age (2Corin. 4:4), and so the whole world lies in his power (1Jn. 5:19). As shown in Dan. 10:13, where demonic power controlled the kingdom of Persia. But Jesus defensive weapon consist of the scriptures (v.4); and his immediate obedience to the word.
Today, the same defensive weapons are available to every believer. The enemy cannot contest or argue with the word of God. God will eventually provide the things the devil is offering, a more important source of sustenance than food in that it nurtures our spiritual needs in a way that benefits us for eternity than providing us here and now with temporal relief from physical hunger.
The elections are here and gone, some exchanged their convictions for mundane things that are already finished by now. Everywhere, there is corruption, political, economic and spiritual. The enemy will come when we are in dire need. We should not in any way give in our convictions. He offered Jesus the shortcuts to meet his dire need of the moment. But Jesus knew better, that underneath the shortcuts lies terrible dangers. The enemy may offer a road free from suffering, whereas pain and sorrow lie at the end of the road. Throughout, Jesus held on to the true convictions from God and his word.
When tempted, we have choice to hold on to God and his word to help us avoid dangerous shortcuts. God's road may not be easy, but it leads to eternal satisfaction, peace and joy unspeakable.
Olufunmilayo Titilola Adekusibe
Prayer:
Father, when tempted, open my eyes to see the shortcuts and pitfalls therein, and help me to overcome, in Jesus name.
In the name of Jesus Christ, as I make confession of the word of God into my life, I believe and I receive the power that is in the Word of God into my spirit, soul and body, in Jesus name.
In my mouth is the power of life and death. I speak life unto myself and destruction unto the enemy and his weapons against me, in Jesus name.
Father uproot everything you have not planted in your church and revive your Pentecostal fire and power in Jesus name.
Father, thank you for sustaining the nation with your power and fire. Give our leaders fresh hope, vision, understanding, inspiration and direction in the knowledge of you. Let there be peace and harmony of purpose, in Jesus name. Amen.
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