May 7: A Way of Escape

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 a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Yesterday there was mention of the unholy trinity. It consists of Satan (in the place of God), a “beast” animated by him (in the place of Jesus), and a false messenger (in the place of the Holy Spirit). This counterfeit trinity is at work to lead the world into rebellion against God’s covenant law. The Biblical definition of sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4).  A prophetic foreshadowing of this three-fold union was given in the garden of Eden.

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”. . . . so she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband . . . Genesis 3:1,6

Notice that Satan did not approach Eve directly and say, “Hey, Eve! Would you like to be Evil?” Instead, he chose to speak through the serpent (a beautiful, winged creature at the time). It was only after casting doubt in the mind of Eve regarding what God had said that he succeeded in tempting Eve and then using her as a false messenger. Her message to Adam was, in essence, “I ate from the forbidden tree and I did not die! Here, have some. It is delicious!”

Like a movie that suddenly goes into slow-motion, we watch: Adam did not resist the false message. In that moment, the dominion that God had given His people (1:28) was no longer theirs. By heeding the voice that contradicted God’s word, they had been manipulated—tricked!—out of their rightful, God-given role! This is why Jesus called Satan the ruler of this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).

In God’s unfailing mercy, He quickly came calling for His people and revealed to them the gospel message of the coming Savior who would make the ultimate way of escape for all who choose to follow Him and obey His voice. Right up to this very minute, even as temptations are paraded before us, His Spirit’s leading and gentle grace are available that we might safely navigate around each trap.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7