September 13, 2010

September 13
Strength in Knowing
Read Luke 3 - 4

Luke 4:8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

THINK BACK on Adam and Eve in the Garden. Satan tempted them amid perfection and plenty. He piled on lies. When the first couple believed the lies, sin entered the world.

Now Satan is talking to the Son of God, who in his human form has absolutely nothing—not even food. Satan tries to tempt Jesus in his human frailty and in a desert! And Jesus says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ What makes the difference?

Adam and Eve tried to deal with Satan on their own terms. They had a close relationship with the Father. But when Satan created doubt about God’s Law, they should have gone to God to ask, “Who’s right?”.

In their human mind, doubt was legitimate. They had never been lied to before. When God said, “No.” and Satan said, “Go.’ they should have checked back with the Law Giver.

Jesus, though, knew better. He knew that when Satan spoke, only lies came out of his mouth. (John 8:44
He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies.) Even in his physical weakness, Jesus’ knowledge protected him to turn from temptation and to the truth.

You’re tempted with something, aren’t you? I know you are. We all are. All the time. Satan and his demons rear their ugly heads into our heads. How do you know what to do? Check with the Father’s Word, and you’ll know. Throughout the bible you see Satan’s destruction. And you see the Father’s love. Know the power of God’s love for you. Say, “No.” to the devil. And say, “Yes!” to your Lord.

Pause and Consider: how necessary it is to know God’s Word.