June 14

Luke 4:1-13 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

“And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’”” (Luke 4:4 ESV)

“And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”” (Luke 4:8 ESV)

“And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”” (Luke 4:12 ESV)

Observation

I think it's interesting how satan knows how to push the right buttons at the right time. Reading through Jesus' temptation, it is clear that satan prepared for this moment. He knew how to attack Jesus. He knew how to angle his attack at the right moment, at the right time. Through hunger, through showing Him the world and through putting God to the test, satan truly planned his attack well. And yet, Jesus, who was full of the Holy Spirit (v.1) saw a greater insight into this scenario. For he understood what was at stake here and answered satan's earthly, worldly, the right here and right now challenges by referring back to the scriptures. He uses Deuteronomy 8:3 to answer the challenge on hunger. He uses Deuteronomy 6:13 to challenge satan in worship. And he uses Deuteronomy 6:16 in putting God to the test. Even through Jesus' own human frailty, He placed His trust in the power of the Holy Spirit. And that His time of fasting was not in vain but He was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Application

Trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit is all I have when everything around me seem bleak. And to the point where my own physical body is frail, I know I can trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to grant me strength. I understand why some of us pray for God's help in the frailty of our own physical strength. Because, in the midst of fatigue and the suffering, God sends the Holy Spirit to intervene in my life. I am so thankful for this truth!

Prayer

God, just as Your own Son knew how to fight temptations of life, may I also lean on the working of the Holy Spirit in my life. I pray that I would not lose sight of the bigger picture when everything in the here and now seem bleak. At the same time, help me Lord, that I would not fall into temptations of the here and now. Help me to place my allegiance, my worship to the glory of You and You alone!

--calebskim