You Are Being Taken! - by Joel Hempel Not just taken for a ride, but taken deep into the heart of evil. Are you ready? I’m talking about temptation, not the kind of temptation that leads you to the freezer and the ice cream-in-waiting. I’m talking about the temptation that is hellbent on destroying you. I’m talking about the kind of temptation Satan used on Jesus in the wilderness of life. In Matthew 4:1-10, you and I have previously noted that it was the Holy Spirit who led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted. Think about it. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray, lead us not into temptation. But Jesus could not and did not pray that petition. He would not, for he intentionally left himself open to the devil’s seductive prowess. But he did not foolishly stumble into Satan’s lair. Jesus was ready. In verses 5 and 8, the Bible states the devil “took Jesus.” He didn’t just take Jesus on. For at least forty days in that wilderness, Jesus let himself be directed by the Evil One. He was ushered to the seat of Satan’s power where Satan could have maximum influence on Jesus’ human vulnerabilities. Look! Taste and see, Jesus, what I can do for you. Your passion is mine to gratify! Make no mistake: the man Jesus was tempted. Feelings were triggered. Thoughts were stimulated. Jesus was exposed. But for the strength and courage of the Holy Spirit who went before him into battle, He could have caved. The Tempter nearly had his way. Then out of the depth of His soul, Jesus stood and faced the Evil One with the might of God’s Word. Are YOU ready? We must remember at all times that Satan and his evil workers are plotting our demise, weaseling their way past our defenses, seeking to take charge of our passions and good intentions. There is only one way to be ready. Scripture is clear. Stand! Stand firm in the Gospel of God’s love and truth. Stand with Jesus who stands with us. Trust the Holy Spirit who goes before us and promises to fight with us. Be ready with the Father’s Word. It is our hope and victory! |
