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Bring Back the Joy --- B B t J . O r g
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WAYS THAT SATAN TEMPTS
In several of my writings, I have discussed the importance of reading the Bible and applying it to oneself. I recently heard scripture applied in a way I'd never thought of before. One of the classic Bible Stories is the temptation of Jesus in gospel accounts of Christ's life. These can be found in Mark 1:12-13 , Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13 . We know that he must have been hungry after having fasted for 40 days. Satan tempts Jesus to turn the stones into bread. Jesus responds with the well known quote "Man shall not live by bread alone." (Matthew 4:4) Satan then asks him to prove that he is God's son by jumping off the pinnacle of the temple; Satan even quoted scripture that the angels wouldn't let Jesus get hurt. (Matthew 4:6) When that doesn't get the hoped for response, Satan offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. Then Jesus told Satan to go away because God was the only one that should be served. So I've summarized the temptation story. Satan was tempting Jesus to prove that he was the son of God by doing miracles. When that didn't work, he tried to give Jesus the world. But Jesus didn't need it. God the Father was the creator; only he has the power to delegate ownership of the world. How does this fit into our lives and history? Think back to the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve for a number of days had been walking and talking with God. Adam named the animals. God gave the earth to humans. They were to look after it. Genesis 1:28 What happened? Satan in the form of a serpent came along to tempt Eve. Genesis 3:4-5 He suggested that God hadn't been telling the truth. That they wouldn't really die if they ate the fruit. Furthermore, Satan made Eve forget that the entire contents of the garden were available for food. He made her feel that God was withholding something from her and Adam. But by believing Satan's words, they could obtain that which was good and desirable. I'd like to offer a new perspective on the temptation story. Satan was trying the same tactics he used on Eve with Jesus. Possibly he was trying to cause fear and doubt. 1. I know you are hungry, why don't you just zap up some bread to feed yourself. God wouldn't withhold that from you if you decide to do a miracle. 2. You say you are the son of God--Then why don't you just throw yourself off this roof; prove that God won't let his little boy get hurt. Fraidy cat!! 3. Well, isn't this world beautiful. Your God doesn't own it; I go to and fro on this earth. I'll share it with you if you'll love me instead of God. But Jesus wasn't tempted. He didn't give in and even quoted scripture back to Satan. He gave as good as he got. Jesus triumphed over Satan who then left. (Matthew 4:11) I can see several parallels to these two stories in my life. I'm attempting to be somewhat funny about a serious subject-- so yes, have a chuckle on my account. I'm often tempted with food. Most of us are aware of what constitutes a proper diet. But do we follow those guidelines. No-o-o-o! It's so easy to feel deprived when one is dieting. Just when one thinks the self-will is under control, along comes that bag of Lays potato chips--You can't eat just one! Chocolate chip ice cream, New York cheesecake, bagels and cream cheese, Dr. Pepper... I salivate just writing the words. Satan accused God of not wanting good things for Eve. When bad things happen, Satan is right there on our shoulder saying God must not want good things for us. We've all seen movies and TV or read books with stories where the character sells his soul to the Devil. Eve may have been deceived; it appears that Adam knew what he was doing. The only excuse he could come up with was to blame his wife. Genesis 3:12 Do we give into temptation with our eyes open? Probably every young person has "known better" but has done something anyway. Every time we knowingly do something, we have to justify it in our mind. If we don't get caught and see the error of our ways, it's easy to do it again when the temptation again presents itself. Eventually we are doing it without even one pang of guilt. Isn't this action the same as having sold ourselves to the Devil? In reflection, I see how easy it is to be led astray by the Devil. The Bible is filled with examples of those who didn't listen to God. In reading the examples of Eve and Jesus, I see how Satan works. I avoid him and seek God. James 4:7 tells us to submit to God first and Satan will avoid us. That's a wonderful promise! |
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