Matthew 4. Jesus was tempted. While reading this section, all I could think of was this being taught to a class of small children. When Satan would give his tempting offer, the children in my head would say "boooooo!" remembering that Satan is not our friend. And when Jesus would respond with a Scripture verse, the children call out "Go Jesus!" because they knew He was the good guy in this story! However silly it may be for me to imagine little children running around in my head, I think it helped me emphasis the key thoughts in this passage.
Obviously, we know that Satan is not our friend, but I think we often treat him as such. When he does something wrong like tempting us, we don't immediately show him the door. We befriend him and offer him hospitality in our hearts a little bit longer. What tempts you? What sin do you struggle with? When that sin comes up - as you know it will, do you have a plan to show Satan the door, immediately? Or will you ponder those tempting thoughts a little longer, stroke that ego a couple more times, and continue in sin against the God who saved you from it? Sure, we know that Satan is not our friend, but we offer him a corner of our hearts and minds daily when we do not have a plan to battle the fight we know is coming.
Now, remember the children shouting with joy, "Go Jesus"? They knew Jesus was the good guy here. And He actually is their friend. The good guy. We know Satan isn't our friend, yet we treat him like he is. Is it possible, we know too that Jesus is the good guy, yet we treat Him as though He isn't? I think perhaps we do. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, we know that God gives us a way of escape. How often we see that route and - instead of seeing Jesus as the good guy He is - wish Jesus would have left us alone and not spoil our good time? I would say this happens a lot more than we would like to admit. Speaking of the way of escape, look at how Jesus escaped! He used the Word of God! He didn't call on angels or use super powers, but He used something that we have available to us. He showed us that we too can overcome temptation from Satan (and our own sinful desires) by using God's Word as the piercing sword that is it! What's your plan for fighting off temptation? Does it include memorized portions of God's Word? It should! Later on in this chapter, Jesus calls His disciples. He's calling us too! Will you immediately answer His call and treat Jesus as the good guy in your story? Serving Jesus by serving you, Marie Cloud :)
1 Comment
Ed Chesley
1/6/2021 11:25:37 pm
Well said, Little Flower, very well said! Good return to your blog!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorGod has given me a love for people and a passion to write. I love that the sky shows the creativity of our loving Maker, don't you? I hope you will join me on this journey through life exploring the beautiful creation God has made and the lessons that He is teaching me through it all. Categories
All
Archives
June 2018
|