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Testing. Temptation. Trials. They all start with the If’s. The statement ‘What if’ holds so much possibility, and opportunity, yet for us it can also hold condemnation and accusation. Jesus experienced trials just as we do. He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights putting his spirit before his flesh. (Ok, so, many of us don’t do THAT.) The devil took advantage of Jesus during the first test of three tests. Jesus was physically weakened by hunger. Check out what he did in Matthew 4:3-10.
Test 1
Devil: “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”
Jesus: “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Test 2
Devil: “If you are the Son of God, jump off (of the Temple)! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
Jesus: “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”
Test 3
Devil: “I will give it all to you if you kneel down and worship me.” (This was said while standing on the peak of a very high mountain and showing Jesus all the kingdoms of the world.)
Jesus: “Get out of here, Satan, for the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”
The Lie
The devil couldn’t give Jesus all of those things because he didn’t have it to give. The devil doesn’t control the world, God does. The devil plants the seed, and we take that rationale and run with it. If we eat one more bite, we will feel better. If we take one more shortcut, it will pay off. If we cheat one more person, then it will pay off.
The Truth
Lord, Jesus, sometimes people say they need something bad, and they get something bad. Today is therapy
class and Lord you are revealing to each person today that YOU are the one we should please. Not man, not our feelings, and not our flesh, we are drawing a line in the sand today. Thank you for giving us the grace to walk this out. We are making the necessary corrections today, Lord. AMEN!
