Morning Reading for February 9

Matthew 4:1-11
(Luke 4:1-13; Mark 1:12-13)

Suggested further reading: Genesis 3:1-6

That old serpent who tempted Adam to sin in paradise was not afraid to assault the second Adam, the Son of God. Whether he understood that Jesus was `God manifest in the flesh' might be doubted. But that he saw in Jesus one who had come into the world to overthrow his kingdom is plain and clear. He had seen what had happened at our Lord's baptism. He had heard the marvellous words from heaven. He felt that the great Friend of man was come and that his own dominion was in peril. The Redeemer had come. The prison door was about to be thrown open. The lawful captives were about to be set free. All this, we need not doubt, Satan saw, and resolved to fight for his own. The prince of this world would not give way to the Prince of peace without a mighty struggle. He had overcome the first Adam in the garden; why should he not overcome the second Adam in the wilderness? He had spoiled man once of Paradise; why should he not spoil him of the kingdom of God?

Let it never surprise us if we are tempted of the devil. Let us rather expect it as a matter of course if we are living members of Christ. The Master's lot will be the lot of his disciples. That mighty spirit who did not fear to attack Jesus himself is still going about as a roaring lion seeking whom he Maydevour. That murderer and liar who vexed Job and overthrew David and Peter still lives and is not yet bound (Job 1:12; 2:6; 1 Chr. 21:1; Luke 22:31-32). If he cannot rob us of heaven, he will at any rate make our journey thither painful. If he cannot destroy our souls, he will at least bruise our heels (Gen. 3:15). Let us beware of despising him, or thinking lightly of his power. Let us rather put on the whole armour of God and cry to the strong for strength (James 4:7). Let us all watch and pray daily against his devices. There is no enemy worse than an enemy who is never seen and never dies, who is near to us wherever we live, and goes with us wherever we go.

For meditation: The devil is considered in the modern world as a symbol of sensual enjoyment or a mythical figure from a past age. Let none of us encourage a false picture of the destroyer of men's souls.


These readings (ISBN: 0 85234 420 1) are copyrighted and made available with permission by
Evangelical Press; 12 Wooler St., Darlington, Co, Durham, England, DL1 1RQ