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REFLECTION

It is written… is the theme of our reflection. In today’s scripture reading (Matthew 4:1-11), Jesus proves to us that he has gone through all the temptations human beings go through but unlike us, He knew the devil’s intentions and overcame him. In other words, the devil tried to get into the mind of Jesus and lure him to disobey God just like He did to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden but Jesus uses the word of God to overcome the devil’s temptations.

Jesus uses Scripture to expose the devil’s temptations. Beloved in the Lord, many disciples of Christ or Christians continue to encounter temptations in their lives but fall through disobedience because they are ignorant about what is written in the Scripture. Many Christians of our time lack a deeper understanding of the devil’s temptations because they have refused to read and study the Bible. Jesus’ weapon that enabled Him to defeat the devil was the Word of God. Anytime the devil tries to tempt Jesus, He overcomes him by answering him “It is written… In Matthew Chapter 4, verses 4,7 and 10, Jesus used the Scripture to overcome every single attempt of the Devil to deceive Him into disobeying God. The big question of the day is, are you a true Christian or a disciple of Jesus? if so, do you know your Scripture? Do you have love and passion for studying the Bible for which you have been able to tell the devil in the face of temptations that “it is written?”

Jesus overcomes the temptation of gluttony and materialism when He said to the devil “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Matthew 4:4) Are you able to remember these words when you are being lured into situations that make you lose focus of your relationship with God because of money, wealth and pleasure? We also see Jesus overcome the temptation of pride when He said: “It is also written: ‘ Do not put the Lord your God to test’ ” (Matthew 4:7). Jesus did not come to abuse his power but to humble himself and do the father’s will. Jesus knew that in Proverbs 16:18 it is written, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Again, Jesus overcomes the temptation of forfeiting one’s salvation to possess worldly power and recognition. Many have fallen to the temptation of selling their souls to the devil in exchange for the power and possession of this world. Jesus once again overcomes the devil when he said “...For it written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Matthew 4:10). My dear friend Jesus knew the temptation of wanting to become powerful and rule over others so he teaches us what true power means when he said to disciples in Matthew 20:26-28 that “…Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and go give his life as a ransom for many.”

Beloved in the Lord, you cannot overcome the temptations of the devil if you lack knowledge of the Word of God. It is for this purpose, Hosea 4:6 admonishes us that “my people are destroyed (or fall to temptation) from the lack of knowledge (of God’s word).” God has given us His Word as a weapon to overcome the temptations of the devil “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the hearts” (Hebrews 4:12). No Bible, No Breakfast ministry (NBNB) is a good companion to enable believers journey daily by reading and reflecting on the written Scripture in order to understand God’s purpose and will for us. It is our prayer that God will sustain this ministry and empower many to know what is written. It suffices to conclude with Jesus’ words that “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32. Shalom

PRAYER 

ALMIGHTY GOD, LET YOUR WORD FOREVER BE A LAMP TO MY FEET AND LIGHT TO MY PATH. AMEN (PSALM 119:105)