It is written …
Summary: In today’s meditation, we revisit Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Our first visit was titled “Potshots” and discussed how Jesus’ faith protected him from the evil one. Jesus never takes his eyes of his Father’s will. In today’s meditation we look at Luke’s telling of this story and examine how Jesus used the “sword of the Spirit which is the word of God” to defend against the devil’s arrows.
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As we will see in our post titled, “Brothers, What Shall We Do?,”* the sword of the Spirit is used to attack evil. To attack evil is to separate people from what makes them evil, that is, putting themselves above God. Putting God first, above all, is the highest good. The sword of the Spirit cuts us free from self-delusion so we can recognize our need for God.
The sword of the Spirit is the weapon of choice for rescuing people who are prisoners of Satan. But what if the devil attacks us directly? Can the sword of the Spirit help defend us against attack?
Happily, the answer is “Yes!”
The best example of using the sword is the story of Jesus when he was tempted in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13). The devil is making an all-out assault on Jesus, effectively kicking him when he is down. Jesus has been without food for forty days and nights. He is weak, hungry, and distracted.
The devil’s sword is deceit. He twists truth into something that looks like truth but is a lie. If we swallow the lie, we die.
The devil, knowing that Jesus is hungry, says, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
Jesus has only a moment to respond. If he thinks about the idea the devil has put in his head, he is lost. Keeping his mind and heart focused on his Father, Jesus responds, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
Pow! “It is written.” Jesus uses the definition of the sword of the Spirit, which Paul already told us is “the word of God.”
Satan’s first blow was deflected, but he has more tricks up his sleeve. He leads Jesus to a “high place” and shows him all the kingdoms of the world. Everything Jesus came to earth to save from destruction is spread out before him. The devil’s attack is to offer Jesus “all … authority and splendor.” He says, “If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
It is hard to grasp the enormity of what Satan is offering here. The sleight of hand is dazzling. Jesus can avoid the ridicule of the Pharisees and death on the cross by accepting the devil’s offer. The trick is that by accepting his offer, the devil gives up nothing, and Jesus gives up everything. Jesus answers with the sword of the Spirit, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
Finally, the devil tries one more time. Taking Jesus to the top of the Temple he challenges Jesus to prove he is the Son of God. Once again, Jesus responds with the sword of the Spirit, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Whether we use the sword of the Spirit to help free the slaves or to defend ourselves against Satan’s attacks, knowing the Word of God is essential to our effectiveness for the Kingdom and our survival while on earth.
Application: Read and memorize the Word of God.
Food for Thought: What is your favorite verse in the Bible, and how have you used it as a “sword of the Spirit?”
*Scheduled for Monday. 🙂
I really enjoyed your devotion today and appreciate how you used Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness to highlight the importance of the sword.
As for me, probably my favorite Bible passage is Matthew 11: 28 – 30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Every time I say it or hear it, it reminds me that Jesus is calling Me to Himself – not the church per se (although He does that too), not to a religion – but to Him. It keeps my eyes fixed where they need to be for the battle ahead.
Thank you, brother!
The Matthew passage is a great one, and I deeply appreciate your distinction between being called to a religion and being called to Jesus personally. Amen!
One of my favorite passages is James 5:13-18, a section titled The Prayer of Faith. It is both an invitation to pray individually and collectively no matter what the circumstance and a testimony to the power of prayer.
To me, this how we use the sword and demonstrates just how powerful our God is. It doesnt matter the strength of your body or mind, of even the ability to speak. A heart that calls upon the name of Jesus uses a sword that is greater than anything.
The Prayer of Faith
James 5:13-18
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
Chris,
Thank you! The passage in James is a wonderful reminder that we can bring anything to our Father in prayer.
What is your favorite verse in the Bible, and how have you used it as a “sword of the Spirit?”
Matthew 6:33. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
The Kingdom of God can be summarized as the eternal realm where God is sovereign and Jesus Christ rules forever.
Thanks Ron!
Great verse!!