The Lighthouse Devotional
Author: Kaywanna Marshall
SCRIPTURE VERSE
“‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’” (Matt 4:9–10 NIV).
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Temptation is real. The hymn we sang at primary school during times of prayer immediately comes to mind: “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin.” We often perceive temptation as a childhood struggle that disappears as we age and make more informed choices. However, we all know that temptation is always nearby, knocking on our doors, even as we grow in the Christian faith. This Scripture verse provides the perfect blueprint for how faith-filled believers should address matters of temptation.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
We read in the surrounding text that the devil tempts Jesus to turn stones to bread to satisfy his hunger (4:3–4) and throw himself from the highest point of the temple to force God to save him (4:5–7). Now, Satan tempts Jesus to bow down and worship him in exchange for “all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor” (4:8). No doubt, Jesus recalls God’s command to have no other gods before Him (Exod 20:3), and he retorts, “For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Deut 6:13). With this, Jesus establishes his devotion to and reliance on God. In his human frame, Jesus decides to remain faithful to God.
Our faithful God creates a pathway for us to endure temptation (1 Cor 10:13). However, like Jesus, we need to know and believe what is written. God gives us a full suit of armor with which we can take a stand against the enemy’s schemes (Eph 6:11). We must put on this armor, including the sword of the Spirit, to repel Satan with what is written.
EXHORTATION
Let us remember that we have an advocate in Christ and a weapon in the Word of God to fortify our hearts and minds and remain stayed on Jesus. Let us ask our Savior to help, comfort, strengthen, and keep us, especially in times of temptation. He is willing and able to carry us through.
PRAYER
Lord, we know we are in a daily battle. Help us to choose to remain faithful to You in thought, deed, and word as we endeavor to serve You wholeheartedly. May your Word ever be on our lips, and may our hearts be set on worshipping and serving You only. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.