Looking Unto Jesus Message Magazines Preparation Day Edition Devotional for Friday, June 13, 2014 Based Upon 1 John 2:16–17 Perfect Example We have had quite an experience following Jesus through His wilderness temptations this week. We saw that our enemy does not fight fair and has no good intentions for us. Most of all we saw that Jesus was willing to endure the harshest of trials for us. The Bible says, “Therefore he was obligated to be made like his brothers in all respects, in order that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in the things relating to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people. For in that which he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17–18, LEB). Our Savior did not sit up in heaven to judge while we were down here suffering under the weight of the devil’s wrath. No! Because the Father loved the world so much, He gave us Jesus who consented to suffer for our sakes and purchase our peace. Have you ever encountered the following verse and wondered what it meant: “For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15, NET). How could it be said that Jesus was tempted in every way, just like us? The answer to this mystery is also given in Scripture. The Bible says, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:16–17). Let’s consider the wilderness temptations as a microcosm of all categories of temptation and not every individual temptation Jesus faced for over 33 years. The lust of the flesh corresponds with the temptation to turn stones into bread to satisfy our physical longings in an ungodly way. The lust of the eyes corresponds to the temptation to have all of the world’s possessions without regard for God’s will. The pride of life corresponds with the temptation to presume upon God’s goodness and throw ourselves into danger, needlessly. If we examine all of the temptations we face, they all fit squarely into one of these three categories. The focus of Scripture is not simply that Jesus was tempted. The focal point is how Jesus overcame. And as a bonus, we get to see the reason for His victory. Since we were in a nearly hopeless state through sin, with the only possible outcome being eternal death, Jesus stepped in at the hottest part of the battle. Our minds are a constant battlefield between God and the devil. And whoever we submit our wills to in this battle is the one we worship. We can either worship God who loves us and live eternally, or worship the enemy of our souls and suffer eternal death. Every single moment of every day provides opportunities to make these kinds of decisions. Since Jesus was victorious, while living in human form, He gifted us the power to be victorious too. As long as we accept the gift of His victory, and submit to the will of God, no matter what, we are safe. Considering all that we have said, I now hopeful. I am encouraged that God loves me so much that He gave His best in order to save me. I am encouraged that Jesus was tempted just like me, so He understands my difficulties and be merciful. I am encouraged that He was victorious so can I resist the devils overtures. I am encouraged that as long as I remain in a faith relationship with Him, I can look forward to the eradication of death, sin, and suffering. One day, this crazy trial will be over and if we are faithful, we will finally live in the presence of the One who loves us. “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (Jude 24–25, KJV 1900).—L. David Harris
Posted on: Fri, 13 Jun 2014 11:02:59 +0000