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“Jesus said to him {Satan}, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’” – Matthew 4:7
As we continue looking at the words of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Son of God, we discover more and more about our own faith. The challenge of faith in the 21st century is the time that has passed from the physical nature of Jesus Christ. There are countless examples of people who have put God, the Father, to the test to prove that He is real. Some, in their attempt, to solidify their own faith have demanded that God show up in their presence once again. Others, have challenged God to solve a problem, or help with a miracle at a time of desperation. Many requests have been left unfulfilled, while many have been completely delivered upon.
When are we crossing the line and “testing” God? When is the request for “proof” considered faithless and when is it considered desperate?
In this verse, Satan is challenging the identity of Jesus Christ. He is asking that Jesus prove that He is the Son of God. First, as I read what Jesus told us, I understand it to mean the following:
1) God is in authority and all things are under Him and He alone
2) Faith in God is not something that requires proof, it is knowing without seeing
3) I am secure enough in my relationship with God, the Father, that I do not need to prove it
When are we crossing the line and “testing” God? When is the request for “proof” considered faithless and when is it considered desperate?
In this verse, Satan is challenging the identity of Jesus Christ. He is asking that Jesus prove that He is the Son of God. First, as I read what Jesus told us, I understand it to mean the following:
1) God is in authority and all things are under Him and He alone
2) Faith in God is not something that requires proof, it is knowing without seeing
3) I am secure enough in my relationship with God, the Father, that I do not need to prove it
The early church had the opportunity to recall the facts, first hand, of Jesus Christ walk upon this earth. The disciples preached the word from their personal walk with Christ for a period of 70 or 80 years after His death and resurrection. Thousands upon thousands heard the word first from their testimony of a personal relationship with the Messiah. These men began the church of Jesus Christ, and their testimonies and calling became the foundation for the Christian church. In addition to the words of the disciples, the Holy Spirit was alive and working within mankind to strengthen them, guide them and minister to them as the love of Jesus Christ spread. This is also true today. The Holy Spirit is alive and with us today, just as it was in 100 AD, but we are less receptive to His presence because of the distractions of society.
In those days, they were seeking God, they were impatiently awaiting the Messiah to bring an end to their pain and suffering. They were desperate and hungry for the Lord to be with them. Are you hungry for the Lord? Am I? Is anyone in the 21st century? We have become complacent in our pursuit of God and in turn a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ. We choose daily what we will spend our time on and where we will invest our energy, and 9 times out of 10 it is likely going to be on something other than God. People are demanding proof that there is a God and that Jesus Christ actually walked the earth, because they are not seeing His image reflected in the actions of those who claim they know Him.
You and I are the image of God to these people. When they look at you, they are studying to see just what being a Christian is all about. What does it look like, how does one speak, how does one act in certain situations and how does a Christian react when tempted? Their frame of reference for a relationship with Jesus Christ is to see what it looks like in you. You did not walk with Christ for 3 years like the disciples, and therefore how will you represent His image to those around you? This is where you must continually strengthen your walk with daily study of His word, daily engagement with the Holy Spirit who will work through you, and has an intimate relationship with God, the Father; and Christ, His son.
People, in this world continue to challenge the reality of God, just as Satan did on that day in the Wilderness. It’s going to hurt sometimes, it will press your emotional buttons and it will cause your anger and contempt for those people to rise. You must learn to handle temptations, ridicule and the aggressive attempts of this world to disprove God in the same manner that Jesus handled Satan. “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” and stand firm on the faith that has been instilled in you by the Holy Spirit and the saints of old. Through your actions, your love, your words and your presence; let the Holy Spirit work on those you come in contact with.
In those days, they were seeking God, they were impatiently awaiting the Messiah to bring an end to their pain and suffering. They were desperate and hungry for the Lord to be with them. Are you hungry for the Lord? Am I? Is anyone in the 21st century? We have become complacent in our pursuit of God and in turn a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ. We choose daily what we will spend our time on and where we will invest our energy, and 9 times out of 10 it is likely going to be on something other than God. People are demanding proof that there is a God and that Jesus Christ actually walked the earth, because they are not seeing His image reflected in the actions of those who claim they know Him.
You and I are the image of God to these people. When they look at you, they are studying to see just what being a Christian is all about. What does it look like, how does one speak, how does one act in certain situations and how does a Christian react when tempted? Their frame of reference for a relationship with Jesus Christ is to see what it looks like in you. You did not walk with Christ for 3 years like the disciples, and therefore how will you represent His image to those around you? This is where you must continually strengthen your walk with daily study of His word, daily engagement with the Holy Spirit who will work through you, and has an intimate relationship with God, the Father; and Christ, His son.
People, in this world continue to challenge the reality of God, just as Satan did on that day in the Wilderness. It’s going to hurt sometimes, it will press your emotional buttons and it will cause your anger and contempt for those people to rise. You must learn to handle temptations, ridicule and the aggressive attempts of this world to disprove God in the same manner that Jesus handled Satan. “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” and stand firm on the faith that has been instilled in you by the Holy Spirit and the saints of old. Through your actions, your love, your words and your presence; let the Holy Spirit work on those you come in contact with.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts
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