Day 47 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Leviticus 22,23; Mark 1:1-22 047)
TEMPTATION - THE SHORT VERSION
“The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.” (Mark 1:12-13 ESV)
Mark reports the temptation of Jesus in 2 short verses, while Matthew uses 11 verses to fill in the details.
Many prefer to take the short version when it comes to temptation. They do this by ignoring God’s Law or by simply denying that there are any rules at all. These same folks even deny the existence of God. And since, they reason, there is no right or wrong, there can be no temptation.
This is so dangerous! God is real. His Law is in force. We also need to know that the devil is on the job, tempting us to break God’s Law.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)
What we really miss in the sort version is the antidote to temptation proclaimed by Jesus:
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV)
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:7 ESV)
Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” (Matthew 4:10 ESV)
Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching me how to withstand the temptations of Satan. Remind me of what is written in the Bible about my personal weaknesses and sinful inclinations. Please bless me again this day with a truly penitent heart and with Your gracious gift of forgiveness. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
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