Daring God
Matthew 4:5-7
The devil took Jesus to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. Then Satan suggested that Jesus could throw Himself down, trusting God's promise that angels would protect him from so much as hitting a foot against a stone.
Jesus answered with another Scripture, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test." In plainer language, don't give God dares.
Well, we rarely ever hear of anyone trying to do that, so surely we are never guilty of this. Right?
Let's be humble enough for a minute or two to consider if there is anything in our lives that is like a dare to God.
Have we ever trusted God to protect us when we were out to get some recognition from the world? Especially if doing something along the lines of a publicity stunt?
Ah, I wonder if I haven't been trying to strike awe in the hearts of my friends and acquaintances by telling them how I trust in the Lord to provide my financial needs. I mean, I certainly ought to do that, but have I been daring God to give me miracles so that I can show off, "look what God does for ME"? I'm afraid at times that has been true. I do hope my motives have been pure other times.
How about when we allow ourselves some little sins, and think, "God won't notice. Nothing will happen in the way of punishment. In today's world it's okay to indulge yourself, even if you get a little over-weight. Nothing Terrible happens." It's like we think God has forgotten how holy He is, and how He hates sin, and how careful He is with details.
PRAYER: Oh God, I'm afraid I have yielded to Satan's temptation to dare You. I have believed his lie.
How astonishingly slow You are, Lord, to punish us. You give us time to repent and renounce our sins. If we don't, I'm sure You will still keep Your Word. I do repent and accept Your salvation.
Jesus is my King!!
Ruth Marlene Friesen
P.S. It was on our Canadian Thanksgiving. I had meant to make our big meal yesterday and take it to share with my brother Tom, but I woke up with a crazy headache. I'm thankful I could put it off and we're doing it today (a later date) instead. Not everyone can be so flexible.
This morning I found these very applicable verses in Psalm 9. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You. (vs. 9-10).
...He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted. (vs.12b.)
But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish. (vs.18).
If you need these comforting verses today, claim them for your own!
