Battle Won. War Goes On.

Luke 4:13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
 
THE battle was won, but the war continued. The devil was attacking the Son to defeat the Father’s saving plan for mankind. Satan knows God. He knows God’s righteousness and holiness. He knows God keeps his Word. Satan understands his own destruction is sure. But he works to do as much damage as he can while he can.
    During Jesus’ ministry, Satan will often tempt Jesus. He will work to keep the Jews’ minds closed to their Messiah’s grace, love and salvation. Demonic activity, hostile crowds, unrepentant sinners and self-serving religious leaders are Satan’s weapons.  
    Those opportune times could occur when Jesus is disappointed and frustrated. As fully man, Jesus experienced the overwhelming conditions of his people’s illnesses, immorality and his own physical discomfort. In the limits of his human nature Jesus could have said, “Enough. I’m not sacrificing my life for such a sinful people. I’m tired. I’m feeling my time is wasted here. I’m ready to go home.”
    That’s what Satan wanted. That’s what Jesus refused to say and do. Instead, Jesus fought each spiritual battle with a continued focus on God’s Word. He pursued the Father’s will and strength in times of prayer that lasted hours into and through the night. The Word who was with God in the beginning (John 1:2) kept his teachings centered on the eternal truth. Instead of being frustrated about mankind’s broken lives, Jesus submitted to serve us with mercy and goodness. Jesus’ miracles were one way he negated sin’s awful consequences. Jesus forgave the sins against him to show God’s power to transform and demonstrate “The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
    This, of course, is a true model for us. We easily see so many sad, sick and sinful people. It is difficult to minister, especially if you love people. You want them to be well. You long for them to live into the love God promised and demonstrated to them through Jesus. Being weary in ministry is a common response.
    But we know our Lord calls us to faithful action. The war is on, so let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)  Look past yourself, so you can focus on Jesus. Keep your eye on the Word of God. Whatever sin tempts you, you can defend your soul with God’s Word. Be wise. Be true. Be constant. Jesus has shown you how. Follow him.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your Spirit-empowered resistance of the devil. Thank you for showing us how to keep our eyes on you, the Living Word. In your name we pray. Amen.