If you are reading this, thank you for supporting me with your readership. I do apologise for any waiting, now and in the future, as I'd usually publish a blog after I've had time to collect my thoughts and organise them. This is the second installation of my new blog series and I do hope you'd enjoy reading it:
On reading Matthew 4...
This passage could not have been more apt as God's response to my current situation. The girl whom I have been romantically involved with recently made the decision for us to remain 'best friends'. Devastated at the thought of losing her, I broke down frequently and lost what hope I had for the future. The last week has been trying - raging emotions of fear, sadness and anguish flooded my head; crippling insecurities started to take over. This passage, however, tells me to be secure in Christ alone and challenged my understanding of the faith.
Matthew 4, "The Temptation of Jesus", eloquently brings out messages that speak of security in Christ:
Firstly, the devil questioned Jesus' identity as the Son of God by challenging him to turn stone in to bread, knowing that Jesus had been fasting for 40 days and 40 nights and would be likely to give in. Jesus simply refused, claiming that one does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. This temptation is particularly perplexing... think about it, even if Jesus were to give in and turn the stone into bread and then ate it, what sin would he have really committed? I find that this instance was not really a test of physical temptation but rather one of maintaining his identity as the Son of God. Here, the bible tells us to know who we are - without doubt, that we are all children of God.
Next, Jesus was challenged yet again, this time to intentionally put himself in harm's way so that God may save him with his angels. The devil even used the word of God against Him. Now, Jesus was not deterred but calmly responded that he will not put his Lord to the test. Many of us tend to put God to the test - by choosing to believe in Him only if He performs the miracles that we pray for ever so fervently. This is not only a sign of weakness in our faith; it is an insult to God himself. Have we such little faith that we need to rely on his miracles rather than his word? Here, the bible tells us that as believers, we must have absolute faith in our Lord, and to never waver in our belief nor doubt the Lord even for a moment.
Lastly, the devil tempted Jesus with the splendors of all kingdoms. Unfazed, however, Jesus refused to worship the devil and proclaimed his worship for God and God only. Such a declaration was bold indeed; yet speaks volumes of Jesus' enduring dedication and love for God. We should keep in mind that it is easy for us, especially in the human world, to hold in importance material things and/or people, sometimes even to the point of making them our idols. Matthew 6:24 says: "No one can serve two masters" and thus, we can only choose to make God our idol and nothing else. In short, we must and should be prepared to give up everything for the Lord. Of course, this is easier said than done but the truth is, unless we learn to love God and be willing to give our lives up for Him, we cannot know how to love anything or anyone else.
In short, the story of Jesus' Temptation highlights these key points: identify ourselves as God's children; have absolute faith in Him; and love nothing more than God: worship Him and Him only.
For me, personally, it's going to be a tough journey of waiting ahead, given that I have yet to learn to have full security in Christ. It is sometimes challenging to put everything we have and want into the hands of someone we cant see or experience at times. However, I have faith that God will grant me the strength to pull through - because He's kind and He loves us. When you least expect it, God comes through for us, so have complete trust in Him and know that you are loved by Him. Hence, worship the Lord and nothing else because He is our Lord and Saviour :)
Once again, I thank you for reading my post and feel free to leave your thoughts or comments that you may have for me. I pray that you'll find security in Christ more than ever before in your walk with God and I implore you to search your heart and find out where you truly put your security in. I'll be spending some time brainstorming for content for my next installment so if you've any suggestions, just let me know :)
God Bless.
"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Jesus Christ" - Philippians 4:19
Matt
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