Luke 4:4

New King James Version

But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God.’”

For Meditation 

C. H. Mackintosh writes: “There is blessing in every act of obedience; but the moment the soul hesitates, the enemy has the advantage, and he will assuredly use it to thrust the soul further and further from God” (Genesis to Deuteronomy, p.29). This quote reminds us of the importance of obedience in our faith journey and the danger of hesitating in acting on God’s word, allowing the evil one the opportunity to distract and dissuade us. 

We do not dance with the devil! We slam the door in his face when he comes near us, knowing he is not our ally, friend, or sympathizer. He is the enemy of the Christian’s soul and a hater of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ, to whom we ascribe all glory. Amen!

It is sad to see how casually Christians dabble in worldly philosophies and arguments, entertain hostile thoughts, evil desires, coarse jokes as entertainment, obscene fashion outfits, talk shows that sow discord among communities, unflattering social media posts, and movies that sow seeds of lust, greed, infidelity, and dishonesty. Making room for them shows how unseriously we take God’s command to guard our hearts with all diligence to prevent their pollution (Prov. 4:23). As we blend in with the world in these areas, they defile us, soften our faith and our determination to please God and honor Christ. 

The above situation summarizes the Eden story in which the first couple did not discern the danger of the serpent’s seduction or they trivialized it. So, Eve waltzed with the trickster and comfortably chatted about how selfish and unloving God is. She was very liberal with her answers, too, and even added to what God said (Gen 3:2-3). 

“Has God indeed said” led to “You will not surely die.” This strong assertion by the serpent directly contradicted God’s command and made Him a liar, unloving, and selfish. That is how the enemy starts with us and always leads to God bashing, which hangs many people’s faith cold. The Almighty’s goodness, loving kindness, and faithfulness are unquestionable. When we rivet our faith in His inspired word and its supreme authority, we find proper security and stability.

Jesus showed us the right way to handle the devil. He did not give him room to wiggle his way into His life and ministry. He used the word of God to destroy the devil’s suggestions with authority.

“It is written” (Lk. 4:4; cf. Deut. 8:3), “Get thee behind Me, Satan” (8; cf. Deut. 6:13), and “It has been said” (12; cf. Psa. 91:11).

God’s word is living and powerful. It cuts deep and thoroughly through all of Satan’s fluff (Heb. 4:12). So, while Adam and Eve gave the devil room to drive them away from God’s presence (Gen. 3:8-11), Jesus drove the devil away from Himself with God’s word (Lk. 4:13). His focus was on His Father and the mission before Him.

As you fast and pray this week, immerse yourself in God’s word and tune your ears to Him. Do not give the devil a foothold by holding on to unhealthy relationships but rather keeping yourself from the things that defile (Matt. 15:18; Heb. 12:1, 15). Rest in Christ’s protection, and you will exude the fragrance of heaven’s roses, with the grace of God all over you, for a stronger run to the finish line in the second half of this year. 

Shalom

Pray with Me

Father, thank you for the example of your Son, Jesus Christ, in defeating the devil’s temptation with your word. Help me be so adept in using the sword of the Spirit in my daily warfare and thereby come out victorious in Christ Jesus, amen.

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