Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:1-11.
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Matthew 4:5-7
Satan tries again to tempt Jesus with a test of God’s love for Him. An important thing to note is that the devil quotes scripture from Psalm 91:11 to Jesus in the effort to lead Him astray. Satan most certainly knows what God has said and has no qualms twisting its meaning to fit his evil purpose.
Jesus knows God’s will and word better than anyone and He knows that Satan is using it wrongly. The devil and the world will try to confuse us, misquoting what God has said to convince us wrong is right. Jesus rebukes Satan with scripture from Deuteronomy 6:16 used in truth, warning us not to put God to the test.
When we are tested by evil, use the word of God for strength and support. Being familiar with God’s word will help you refute the lies the world tells us. He is there with love, grace and mercy for those that call on His name.
Gracious God, We are weak and easily influenced by the things we see and hear. Help us to be strong in Your word to be able to withstand the worldly challenges we face and share Your love with everyone. Amen.