READ: Matthew
4
This chapter begins with an attack of the devil. Let’s take a look at
what we can learn.
First let’s note that satan tempted Jesus after he had been fasting and
praying. There’s a lie we sometimes believe that says ‘the more time I spend
with God, and the more I fast and pray, the less I’ll be tempted.’ Jesus’ life
is our example so we can say with certainty that praying and fasting will not always keep the devil away.
However, the second thing we must notice is that fasting, praying, and
knowing the Scriptures helped Jesus fight against satan. Every time satan
attacked Jesus with a temptation or accusation, He fought against it with
Scripture. He used the very words of God – which satan knows full well – to resist
the power of satan.
Thirdly, it’s after 40 days of fasting that Jesus is tempted. And He is
tempted by the very things he’s starving for first… food! This is a reminder to
us that when we are weak we must be on guard. When we’re tired, hungry, or
mentally, spiritually, emotionally, or physically weak we become an easy target
for satan. Knowing this, it would be wise to be prepared by having friends
support us in prayer, having Scriptures memorized and taking care of ourselves
before making decisions that could affect our eternity negatively.
Jesus did not send satan away at the first sign of his appearance. In
the typical western church there would be one of two reactions to temptation.
Either we don’t believe satan exists to tear us down, or we believe we need to
send him away at the first whiff of his horrific presence. Jesus did neither.
He recognized the temptations were from satan. But not until the third
temptation did Jesus say, “Be gone, satan!”
Let’s be clear: satan is not a welcomed guest at any time! Neither
should we ever entertain any of his temptations or lies, just like Jesus
didn’t. However, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of believing that
God always wants us to chase him away at the first sign of trouble. It’s
possible that God wants to strengthen us for spiritual warfare or demonstrate
His glory and power by coming to our aid. Whatever the reason, our first job is
to resist.
And then, having planted ourselves as warriors equipped by the Word and the
Spirit, to send satan scurrying with God’s power and strength, not fear and
trembling.
This passage also tells us of the calling of the first few disciples. It
is unclear exactly what was said when Jesus called them. However, it is clear
that they didn’t hesitate at all. They followed. They left their careers… in
the middle of the day. They left their investment (the boat and all their
fishing gear) behind and followed Jesus. How willing are we to leave behind
everything to follow Jesus?
Verse 20 speaks directly to parents. Zebedee, James’ and John’s dad, was
in the boat when they were called to be fishers of men. The boys left dad in
the boat. Dad was left without his helpers. In his older age he didn’t have the
men around he had hoped to have. He had likely been grooming them for this
their whole lives… and they walked away in one conversation. This is an example
to those among us who are parents. When we see the hand of God in the lives of
our kids do we eagerly, and with our blessing, let them go even if it was never
in our plan or vision? Or do we hold them back, challenging them to think about
it just a little more, and consider the cost and what they’ll lose? We would be
wise to learn from Zebedee – the dad who didn’t hold back the purpose of God in
the lives of his sons.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you evaluate whether or not you are
developing strength in the Word, in prayer and in fasting so that you can be
strong against the temptations of satan. Ask Him what steps you can take to
grow even stronger in these areas?
2.
How well are you taking care of yourself to protect against the attacks
of satan? Do you have a supportive group of friends you are willing to call on
when temptation strikes? Are you memorizing the Word so you are ready to fight
with power? Ask the Lord for direction on how to build in these areas so you
are more prepared to fight the enemy.
3.
Ask the Lord to speak to you about whether or not you fight satan with
fear and trembling or with power through the Word and His Spirit. Ask Him to
give you a word, thought or picture of His power in you as you resist satan
together with Him. Ask Him to give you a heart of courage as well as
determination to prepare for the battle.
4.
For Parents: Ask the Lord if you have given your adult children the
blessing they need to follow God according to how He calls them. If you
haven’t, confess this to the Lord and ask Him for words of blessing for your
kids. If your children are about to leave home, ask the Lord to give you His
view of them and to move your heart to trust Him to lead them, love them,
rescue them and redeem their mistakes for His glory. If your children are still
young, ask God for wisdom and strength to train them to be willing to follow
God.
