Holding Fast to God's Words

​2-26-23
Holding Fast to God's Words
Today's devotion is based on Matthew 4:1, "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."
At his baptism, Jesus was powerfully affirmed in his divine identity as God's beloved Son. The Spirit who fills him then leads him out into the wilderness for 40 days of solitude and fasting; and temptation by the devil.
This testing was crucial to Jesus' human identity. Temptation is part of Jesus' experience as a whole human being. Temptation itself is not a sin but a typical experience for everyone living in a broken world. Jesus joins us in it. His temptations come when he is deeply vulnerable – a typical human experience! When we are tired, hungry, disappointed, or hurt, the enemy is sure to show up.
Satan's most profound temptation of Jesus was to doubt God's word about Jesus' identity. Jesus has just heard God's proclamation about him: 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased' (Matthew 3:17). God's declaration is the very bedrock of Jesus' being. From this reality will come all of Jesus' ministry. Luring Jesus to doubt God's word is the strategy that worked so successfully with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.
Satan does his most devastating work when he gets us to doubt what God has said about who we are. What did God say over you at your baptism? That Jesus Christ redeemed you on the cross; Satan's power over you is broken, and you are washed by God, rebirthed to a new life as a child of God. God has declared it and sealed you in the family name: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
That is who you are; no one can take that name and identity away from you. You are in Jesus Christ, and him in you for eternity. Just remind yourself – and Satan! – of this reality, the next time you feel vulnerable and tempted to believe his lies.
Please pray with me: Gracious God, defend us from the subtleties of Satan. Hide your word in us that we may grasp it in the time of trial. Lord Jesus, walk with us and give us your strength and victory. Amen.