Title: When Is Elevation Not Good?
Text:
Matthew 4:5-7 (ESV)
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple
6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you,' and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'"
7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Observation:
What are the underlying principles that control your thoughts and your actions? This is what is on my heart today as I read, and reflect upon our focal passage for today.
Notice the temptation that Jesus faced.
Matthew 4:5 (ESV)
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple.
What do you think about this elevation that the devil offered to Jesus? As I ponder this question this thought captured my attention.
Every elevation is not for the glory of God. The devil offered Jesus an option that presented a short cut. However, it would not have brought glory to God. It would have avoided the shame and death on a cross, but it would not have provided the means for our salvation.
If the devil tempted Jesus, and he did, how much more do we need to be on guard when he tempts us. One of the areas we need to pay close attention to is our strengths; an unguarded strength is an area where we are most at risk. We can't afford to leave this area unguarded.
Proverbs 4:23 (HCSB)
23 Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Prayer:
Father, I lift up and exalt Your name above every name on earth and in heaven.
Father, I am so thankful that we don't have to face the temptations we encounter in our earthly journey alone.
Father like Jesus, we will claim the promises of Your Word, and today I claim this promise for all who will join me in praying this prayer, and saying a hearty Amen.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (ESV)
12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:
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