Title: In Every Way Like Us/Topic: Temptation

Today’s Reading: Genesis 9; Genesis 10; Genesis 11; Luke 4

Scripture:Luke 4:13
13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Observation: Jesus did not go through just one “temptation” experience. This verse indicates that the devil planned to return to try to trip Jesus up and harass him as much as possible. He was simply going to wait for a more opportune time.

Application: If our Lord had to deal with temptation and harassment by the devil on multiple occasions, we should expect to have to engage in the same kinds of battles with him. He is our enemy just as he was Jesus' enemy. His attacks come as direct temptations, as in the verses previous to this one, and also through discouraging thoughts, especially when we are tired, sick, or under stress. The enemy also uses others who aren't tuned in to God (although they can feel that they are) to tempt us into wrong thinking and sin. An example of this is Peter telling Jesus that he would not have to die and be taken away. Jesus turns and rebukes him saying, “Get behind me Satan”. Peter must have been stupefied by such a response but Jesus had discerned where the motivation for this comment had come from. I think many times the enemy has success with us because we discount his passion for making us miserable and do not discern the multitudinous ways in which he will assault us. Vigilance is key. Intimacy with God is imperative for success over the enemy of our souls.

Prayer: Father, I need to stop when things are going wrong and seek wisdom from you to know where the source of the problem is. The devil isn't responsible for every ill in my life but I'm sure he's at the back of much more than I am aware of. Give me discernment to see what is really going on so that I may be more effective and targeted in my prayers. Gird my mind with the truth of your Word and let me live by it, confident in the knowledge that the power of your Spirit at work within me is greater than any power the enemy can throw at me. I just don't want to be taken unaware. Thank you for your protection and the weapons of spiritual warfare you give us so that we may be victorious over everything satan can dish out.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.