Resisting Satan's Temptations

Genesis 2:1-3:7

As we start the first full week of Lent, the first Scripture reading from the lectionary is from Genesis.  I will be focusing on the second half of the reading, in Chapter 3, with the temptation of Eve, and man’s fall from grace.  Let’s see what we can learn, to help us in our temptations.

In Chapter 2, verses 16 and 17, we read where God gave Adam instructions not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.  Adam had the freedom to choose whether to obey or not.  Man was created with free will.  We are not robots, where obedience and love would be hollow and meaningless.  After Eve was created, in verses 21 and 22, it is presumed that Adam would have told her the commands God had given him.

The tactics Satan used on Eve are still the same he uses today.  Now, in the first several verses of Chapter 3, the first thing Satan did when tempting Eve was to get her to question God’s Word (3:1).  “Did God really say….?”  That is still one tactic he uses frequently, getting people to question the Bible.  Then Satan misquoted God, saying whether He really said not to eat from any tree in the garden.  This would get Eve to question God’s goodness.  Satan essentially was saying to her, “That mean old God won’t let you eat from any of these nice trees!  How mean, cruel, and selfish!”  This is something he does to tempt us today.  “God won’t let you do anything!  Following and obeying God will only make you miserable.”

Eve’s response to Satan was not completely correct (3:2-3).   She was correct that God had allowed them to eat from most the trees in the garden.  But then she stated that, not only could they not eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they weren't to even touch it.  God had not said they couldn’t touch it.  As believers, and hopefully students of His Word, we need to know exactly what He says.  Correctly using the Word of God, our sword, we can fend off Satan’s attacks.

In response, Satan drops his biggest attack.  “You will not certainly die”, Satan said (3:4-5).  “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”  Satan was saying that God is a liar, and that He’s mean and selfish, in addition to being a liar, hiding from Adam and Eve knowledge that He wants to keep for Himself.

On down through the centuries, Satan and his followers have been calling God and His Word liars.  Who is the liar, though?  As Jesus said later, in John 8:44, Satan is the liar.  He is the father of all lies, and also a murderer.  Though Adam and Eve didn't die immediately, they did die spiritually.  Their relationship with God died, and eventually they did die physically.

What could Eve have done to resist that temptation, and what can we do when also tempted?  It is not a sin to be tempted, but it becomes sin when we give in.  Eve could have cried out to God for help.  Every day God would walk in the Garden with Adam and Eve, talking with them.  She could have called on Him for His help.  He is always available when we call on Him.  Eve could also have run away when Satan attacked her with temptation.  When temptation got strong, Joseph ran away from Potiphar's wife when she came after him.  David would have been wise to do that when he came upon Bathsheba.

We need to be wise to Satan’s tactics and schemes against us, so we can effectively fight against him.  II Cor. 2:11.  The way to do that is to get in the Word of God, study it, and use it as the sword it is.

The Majesty of Jesus

Matthew 17:1-9

We conclude this week’s Sunday lectionary readings with a passage from the Gospel of Matthew.  Here we have Matthew’s account of the transfiguration of Jesus.  Just prior to this, the Apostle Peter had made his declaration before Jesus and the other apostles that he believed Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God.  Shortly after that, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a nearby mountain (some say Mt. Tabor, others think Mt. Hermon), leaving the other nine apostles below.

While on top of the mountain, Jesus is transfigured.  What does that mean?  While on earth, Jesus, the Son of God, the 2nd Person of the Trinity, looked just like any other man.  He didn’t have a halo around His head.  He didn’t glow.  His Words and behavior set Him apart, not His appearance.  But right at this moment, before Peter, James, and John, Jesus’ appearance took on the glory and majesty that He had while He had been in heaven, prior to His birth, and would have again, after His ascension.  The light of His glory was so brilliant those apostles must have had to shield their eyes.  His white robes were so bright, Mark’s Gospel says whiter than any launderer could ever make them (Mark 9:3).  The men got a glimpse of Jesus as He truly was - God the Son, the glory of which would be indescribable.

Along with the glorified Jesus, appeared Moses and Elijah.  How did Peter, James, and John know who they were?  They didn’t come up and introduce themselves.  Back then there were no photos or accurate portraits to rely on.  They just knew, like I believe we will know who people are in heaven.  These two represented the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah).  Moses had brought the Law from God to the people, and Elijah was the greatest of the prophets.  God had so honored Elijah that he did not die, but was bodily transported to heaven. (II Kings 2:1-13).  Their presence confirmed that Jesus was the Messiah, the fulfilling of God’s Law and words of prophecy.  While with Jesus, they discussed with Him His coming sacrificial death on the cross, as Luke’s account said.  (Luke 9:30-31)

Peter, upon seeing them with Jesus, wanted to build three shelters for them to stay in.  He didn’t want this moment to pass.  He wanted it to go on, and keep Moses and Elijah there, along with the glorified Jesus.  This was a moment he didn’t want to lose.

Then a cloud descended from heaven and surrounded them all.  The voice of God the Father said that his was His beloved Son, with whom He was pleased.  That was the same thing God had proclaimed at Jesus’ baptism.  The voice of God filled those three apostles with such a holy awe and fear, they fell flat on their faces.  When they finally were able to dare look up, there was only Jesus in His regular, human form.

Some observations I made was, first, Peter wanted this glorious moment to continue, which is why he wanted to build the shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.  That wasn’t God’s plan, though.  We can have some really close and wonderful moments with God, away from the hustle and bustle of life.  They can’t continue on forever.  God wants us back out in the world, bringing His message of salvation to a lost world, just like Peter and the others had work to do for Him.  They couldn’t stay on that mountaintop forever while a world raced on to hell.

Secondly - the voice of God, along with the appearance of Moses and Elijah, showed that Jesus was the Son of God.  He isn’t just a good religious leader, not just another prophet.  He is the Son of God, the 2nd Person of the Trinity.  God said, “This is my Son”.  He alone, not anyone else.  Not Mohammed, not Buddha, not Krishna, or any other person many seek to raise up.  Jesus alone.  Peter, James, and John saw a glimpse of His glory, and if we have accepted Him as Savior, we will one day soon see that glory, too.

Dwelling On The Past

Philippians 3:7-14

Has there ever been anything in your past that you wish you could forget, but it just keeps creeping up in your mind, or that people won’t let you forget?  Or maybe something that you’ve accomplished that you are extremely proud of?  The Apostle Paul was someone who had a past, one that contained both things to be proud of and things to be ashamed of.

Paul was very well-versed in Scripture, having studied for many years under the great teacher of Jewish Law, Gamaliel.  Paul would have had the equivalent of a Doctorate of Divinity.  He was also a great missionary, preacher, and evangelist.  These were great accomplishments.  On the other hand, Paul had some things in his past that deeply grieved him, for which he was terribly sorry and ashamed of.  Before he was saved, Paul had persecuted Christians.  He had approved of the murder of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, even watching the clothes of those who killed him.  Afterwards Paul went to other cities to track down more Christians, hauling them into court and bringing charges against them.

Paul, in verse 7, says that all the good and admirable things he had accomplished were nothing compared to what he had in Christ.  It was all a loss.  All those great accomplishments were just like garbage (verse 8).  His relationship with Christ was the most important thing in his life.

As for the regrettable things he had done, Paul says in verse 13 that they are forgiven by God, and since they are, he will put them all behind him.  Paul will not dwell on them or let the shameful past drag and bring him down, hindering his ministry.  No, Paul puts this all behind him, and will press on forward to achieve the prize, the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (verse 14).  Paul’s only goal in life is the know Christ, and he went after that goal like a racer pushing on towards that finish line (verse 12).

How about in our own life?  Are there things in our past, either good or bad, that we are holding on to?  Things we are clinging to in pride, or letting the shame of drag us down?  Don’t live in the past - either past mistakes or past successes and glories.  Things in our past that Christ has forgiven should remain in the past.  Paul put his past behind him, and so can we.  Birds can’t easily walk backward or fly backward.  Kangaroos can’t hop backwards.  We need to be the same way.  Forget the past and press forward.  Press on like the athlete running that race, striving towards the goal of that high calling of Christ.

Blow The Trumpet

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

March 1st is Ash Wednesday, the start of the approximately 40 day period of repentance prior to Easter.  Of the several Scripture selections from the lectionary for Ash Wednesday, I selected this one from the Book of Joel.

As this portion of Scripture opens, the Prophet Joel brings a strong message from Yahweh to the people.  This message is so important that Joel says in verse 1, the trumpets need to be sounded out.  Trumpets were sounded for special occasions, such as holy days, or, as in this case, to sound a warning.  His message here was a warning from God to His people.  They were to stop everything and listen up.  When God speaks, especially with a warning message, we need to take special notice, listen, and then obey what He says.

What is this important message that merited the blowing of the trumpets?  Verses 12-17 give the answer to that.  For centuries the nation of Judah had waffled back and forth from worshipping Yahweh, the true God, and worshipping false gods.  The people also had frequently strayed away from God’s laws.  “Blow the trumpet”, God says in verse 12.  “Turn to Me with all of your heart.”

A key phrase is “with all of your heart”.  As God continues to speak, He tells the people, in verse 13, that they need true repentance, not just an outward show.  Many people liked to make a big show of pretend piety, such as tearing their clothes, which was a common show of sorrow in ancient times.  God said that this meant nothing to Him if there was no true repentance in the heart.

If His people have a true change of heart, truly returning to Him, God promises He will forgive and show mercy, as shown in verse 14.  Blow those trumpets again, verse 15, calling for both a personal and corporate repentance and fasting.  If our repentance is true, then God will honor those outward signs, such as fasting, and forgive them.  If they would not truly turn to Him, there would be judgment.  Throughout this short Book of Joel, he speaks of judgment that God was bringing on the people.

This is still a timely warning for us today.  How is our heart?  Is our piety just an outward show, to give others an impression that we are “such good Christians”, but our heart has not really been touched by, or turned to, God?  God is not impressed by giving up chocolate, favorite TV shows, or ice cream during Lent if there is no true repentance.  Repentance is going from one direction, away from God, and then making a 180 degree turn around, and then start heading His way.  This is what God is calling for us to do, not just public “play-acting”.

Let the ashes this Ash Wednesday be a real, true sign of turning our hearts to God.  That is what He wants - our heart.  As the saying goes, our actions speak louder than our words.  Let both be truly turned to Him, as He sounds the trumpet for us today.

The Holy And Awesome Name Of God

Psalm 99

This Psalm from the lectionary reading of this past Sunday is one of the less familiar Psalms.  This Psalm proclaims the majesty, glory, and power of the Lord God.

Right from verse 1 we read “The Lord reigns”.  Not man, not some political leader, but God almighty, Yahweh.  He is the one in control, not us.  We need to be sufficiently in awe and respect of Him as the verse continues,  “Let the people tremble”.  He is seated on His throne between cherubim.  Cherubs are not the cute, fat little “baby angels” that people often picture.  They are a type of powerful angelic being, and they surround God’s throne.  God is exalted above all nations, verse 2 continues.  Various countries may scoff at Him, and mock Him now, but He is high over them all.

Verse 3 was one verse that really jumped out at me.  God’s Name is holy.  It is sacred and set apart.  It is not a Name or word that should be lightly, or flippantly,  thrown around.  Christians should all definitely agree that His Name should not be used in cursing.  I believe that even in general conversation, His Name should illicit holy awe, honor, worship and respect.  So many today seem to think only of God as a buddy, and seem to almost have forgotten that He is all-holy and the almighty God, and His Name is to be held in complete respect.  Most people don’t like to hear their name spoken ill of.  All the more the Name of God is to be revered and not spoken ill of.  If we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we are His children and He is our Father.  We should live lives worthy and respectful of the Name we carry.

In verse 6 we see that men of the past have called out in prayer to the Lord God, and to His holy Name.  God honored their prayers, and answered them.  That is true today, as well.  All through the ages, from Bible days, through the centuries, up through to today, men and women of the Lord can call on Him, and He will hear and answer.

God is a great, loving, and forgiving God, as said in verse 8.  That is a sure and precious promise, that if we confess our sins, He will forgive.  But sometimes He must also dole out some discipline, just like a human father does.  Most human fathers, if they are kind and loving, will forgive the misdeeds of their children.  But sometimes there must be discipline too, if merited.  The same is true with the Lord, as His Word says here and in Hebrews 12:4-11.

Verse 9 closes the Psalm with another call for us to exalt and worship Him.  He is holy and worthy of all of our adoration.

Forty Days On The Mountain With God

Exodus 24:12-18

In this brief passage from Exodus we see Moses. Just prior to this passage, Moses had received the 10 Commandments.  Now the Lord God is summoning him to climb to the summit of Mt. Sinai to receive further laws, and particularly instructions for the building of the Tabernacle, its furnishings and contents.  The Tabernacle was particularly important because this was where the Glory of the Lord would dwell among His people.  It was such a holy and sacred place that no one could approach it except the High Priest, and him only once a year on the Day of Atonement.

Throughout the Bible we never see a physical description of God Himself.  More often we read of His surroundings - the glory of His throne and majesty, or the thunderings and lightning that often surround Him, or as is here in verses 16-17, clouds and a consuming fire.  The other gods, such as the Greek and Roman gods, all looked like humans, though generally quite handsome, but there is no such description of the one, true God.  When reading such scenes as is here, the holy awesomeness and fear of His great majesty become very apparent.  It makes one compelled to fall on your knees, bowing down in humble worship.  No walking up to Him with a high-five, and a “Yo, God!”

Being on this mountain top at this moment would have been special, but also fear-inspiring, with the clouds and fire descending and surrounding it.  This wasn’t just a typical volcano, though that would have been a fearful thing, as well.  I don’t picture typical clouds, either, as if it was just another cloudy day in the mountains.  These were the clouds that surrounded the majesty of the God of the Universe, Creator of all.  It was into this that God called Moses to ascend and remain for the next 40 days and nights.

The number 40 in the Bible often has special significance.  It rained 40 days at the time of Noah and the Ark.  Moses was here with God for 40 days.  The people of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.  The spies searched out the land of Canaan for 40 days.  Jonah preached to Nineveh for 40 days.  Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days.  And after His resurrection, Jesus gave His final teachings to the disciples for 40 days before His Ascension.  40 days or years often symbolizes a period of testing, trial or probation.  This coming Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, which in many church denominations starts the period of Lent, 40 days prior to Easter.  Let us, like Moses did in our passage today, draw closer to God and learn from Him during this time of Lent.  Like the disciples did following His resurrection, let us stay close to Him and see what He might be saying, and wishing to teach us.

Forgiveness

Matthew 5:38-48

Today we wrap up the 5th chapter of Matthew.  These final verses of the chapter are perhaps some of the most difficult to put into practice.  How can we love our enemies, forgive them, or do good to those who ill-treat us?  Yet Jesus asks us to do just that.

I have to ask myself how do I treat those who ill-treat us?  There are two different types of people who would fall into that category.  First are those who treat us badly, but it is impersonal, meaning they didn’t specifically target us - like a driver who cuts us off, a store clerk who is rude, or the person who makes a nasty comment on the bus.  How do we treat them?  Do we respond in kind?  Do we make snide comments to myself about them, out of their hearing?  We are to bless them, not curse them, turn that other cheek.  One way is to not demand our rights behind the wheel or in line in the store.  We can give them up freely, and actually show in our lives what Jesus would do.  I should give justice and mercy freely, rather than always wanting to receive it from others.

The second group is the people who very specifically did something against us.  Someone who we know personally, who does something that they know would hurt us.  How do we respond to them?  The hatred can simmer for years, and then given an opportunity, flare out.  Or it can turn inward to become depression or bitterness.

In both cases Jesus says our behavior should be different from what the rest of the world is.  We are to respond in love and forgiveness.  Staying angry, bitter, and full of hatred reminds me of the story someone told me once, that it is like a person who is full of anger and bitterness against another, so he makes a potion of poison for that person, and then instead of giving it to them, they drink it themselves.  It can only hurt ourselves.

We may say to ourselves, “How can I love and forgive them?  You don’t know what terrible thing they did!” However, carrying unforgiveness of this sort is like carrying around a heavy burden. Think of that deed they did to you as a thick, heavy, long chain wrapped around you.  Do you want to carry that around your whole life?  No.  Then release yourself of it.  Cancel that sin-debt they did against you.  They may never ask forgiveness, but cancel that debt anyway, and release yourself from the burden.  Don’t let the anger hold any power or rule in your life anymore.  That doesn’t mean that what they did was okay, or to ever let them have another chance to hurt you or someone else again.  We need to forgive, and love them in the Name of Jesus.  Another way that helps us to forgive is to pray for the person who hurt us.  It is hard to remain in anger and hatred if we are honestly praying for someone.

Remember how much Jesus forgave us.  They may not deserve forgiveness, but neither do we.  We are to forgive if we want forgiveness for ourselves.  How can we do this?  We can’t on our own.  But through the power of the Holy Spirit, who indwells us as believers, we can do this.  Loving our enemies and doing good to those who mistreat us is not an easy task, but it will free us from the terrible burdens anger, hatred and bitterness bring on us.  And it will show the love of Jesus to a lost and hurting world, giving that light of witness to them.