READING: Matthew 1-4
Satan is the “destroyer” (Rev 9:11), and his bent toward destruction is evident early in the life of Jesus. Surely he was the power behind King Herod’s response to “kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under” (Matt 2:16) when he felt threatened by Jesus’ birth. The ruthless leader became a tool in Satan’s hand as the enemy sought to destroy Jesus before He ever began His ministry.
Moreover, the devil was brazen enough to tempt Jesus Himself (Matt 4:1-11). He tried to entice Him to put His physical well-being above the Father’s will, to tempt the Father to save Him miraculously, and to gain the world by worshiping the enemy. Had Satan indeed led Jesus into sin, the Redeemer’s ministry would have been over. He who would have carried His own sin then would have been in no place to die as the substitutionary atonement for our sin.
On the other hand, the text tells us that the Holy Spirit compelled Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted (Matt 4:1). The Spirit did not tempt Jesus (James 1:13), but He did drive Him into this battle — indicating that God was fully sovereign over this conflict. Jesus was neither alarmed nor surprised by the temptations; indeed, He went to the mountain to show the devil what kind of Messiah He would be. He would be obedient to the Father's will to sacrifice His physical well-being for the world. He would not tempt the Father, and nor would He do spectacular things just to be seen. He would gain the world, but certainly not by worshiping Satan. No, He would instead disarm and defeat the enemy through His death on a cross (Col 2:15).
We need to remember this truth today: no matter how much it seems like Satan is winning, he remains bound under the sovereign control of God. The destroyer will ultimately be destroyed.
ACTION STEPS:
- Determine what the enemy is seeking to destroy in your life. Your family? Your joy? Your reputation? Whatever it is, trust that the enemy will not win. Stay faithful to God.
- Pray intentionally all day long for someone whose life suggests that the enemy really is winning.
PRAYER: “Jesus, thank You for being the Messiah You are. I pray I will live today in the power of the One who has already conquered the foe.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Matthew 5-6
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