July 5, 2021
Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only shall you serve.’” Matthew 4:8-10
Jesus knew the cost of sin. He had determined before the foundation of the world to assume that cost Himself on behalf of His erring creatures. Knowing the ignominious and painful death that lay ahead, this offer, in the moment, was a very real and sore temptation to Jesus. In this moment, His reliance upon that which “ is written,” is a practical, yet powerful, example for every one of us! What power for standing against temptations is available to us!
The rebellious covering cherub who was cast out of heaven for sinning has never repented, nor will he, according to Scripture. The risen Christ, our heavenly High Priest, is out of Satan’s reach. Therefore, all of his wrath is directed toward the human race, and especially those who are faithful to Jesus. We can be sure that our wily foe, also described as subtle and cunning—with an insatiable desire to receive worship—is relentlessly endeavoring to “sit as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:4)
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Beloved, do not allow the enemy into your temple. The “most holy place” of your temple is your precious mind! Invite the Creator, the true God of the universe, in to guide your thinking, to purify and cleanse. Your openness to His corrections is a matter of life and death. May your worship, your life, be directed exclusively towards Him and may His law be written on the tablet of your heart! Earnestly ask today, and every day, for His Spirit to bring wisdom and discernment as you each go about the details of your day. You are promised that He will give it generously—no strings attached!
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
“Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.” Psalm 119:98 (KJV)
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:18