READING:
One-year plan: Deuteronomy 26-28, Luke 4:1-30
Two-year plan: Leviticus 4, Matthew 26:47-56
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I’m grateful when the anguish of temptation passes. The battles we face are real ones, and they can be intense at times. When we experience victory through God’s grace, though, the peace is sweet and the joy is genuine. “It’s over,” is a relieving thought.
The problem, however, is that temptation is seldom over entirely. It wasn’t over for Jesus on the Mount of Temptation, and it’s not for us, either. Here’s the way various versions describe Jesus’ temporary lull from temptation (Luke 4:13):
- “After the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.” (CSB)
- “And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” (ESV)
- “And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.” (KJV)
- “When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.” (NLT)
The point is simple: Satan would be back. Jesus, of course, would defeat him again and again—and He is the one who empowers us to live in victory, too. In the power of the Spirit, always be prepared for the enemy’s attack.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you prepared for temptation today?
PRAYER: “God, thank You for the victory You provide.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Deuteronomy 29-31, Luke 4:31-5:11
Two-year plan: Leviticus 5-6, Matthew 26:57-75