SCRIPTURE: Numbers 25
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” [Luke 4:13].
Like Israel, Jesus was tempted in the wilderness too.
The devil came at Him with 3 different temptations, but Jesus stood firm [Luke 4:1-13].
But notice that the devil didn’t quit, his rationale is, ‘give it time, I’ll find His weakness’.
Satan tries to defeat Israel with a curse [Numbers 23-24], but when that doesn’t work, he entices them with sexual pleasure – and succeeds.
If he can’t get us one way, he will try another.
Satan doesn’t care how he brings us down, he just keeps at it.
We may not fully appreciate what is happening in this story.
This is not just a sad story of an angry, violent God (and His followers) attacking and killing an innocent couple for an inappropriate dating relationship.
This was an outright attempt by the leaders of Moab to infiltrate and annihilate the people of Israel.
These arranged ‘marriages’ were ploys, also used in Solomon’s time to forge alliances and strengthen positions.
We know that Solomon’s relationships undermined the kingdom of Israel.
And this was Satan’s intent.
Like Israel in the wilderness, we may resist the outright attacks against our faith, but what about the subtle temptations to lie, to lust, to covet, to gossip, to steal, to cheat, etc.
The devil knows our weakness… do we?
What are the subtle ways that Satan gets us to compromise, to forge alliances with sin, to weaken our commitment?
What is the opportune moment or situation that Satan uses against us?
Now we can see why Jesus taught us to pray, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” [Matthew 6:13]
We are fools if we think we are not vulnerable to his schemes.
We can defeat him with the Lord’s help, but only if we resist him.
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [James 4:7]
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” [1 Corinthians 10:13]
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to recognize the devil’s schemes, and help me to resist them. Show me the way of escape, and help me to take it!
The Lord had said in days past, ‘Do this and live.’
However, the people went after their own ways seeking friendship with the enemy rather than being a separate people. The worldly ways, the ways of their neighbours was enticing and so the people joined forces with the enemy. Once again the people had eyes but did not see and ears but did not hear the Word of the Lord. They went their own way until God spoke loud and clear so that they did see and hear.
As the first people were swayed by the devil’s schemes so were the Israelites. It is no different today. How do we/I keep my way pure that I follow His way and listen to His voice?
I must talk with my God on a regular basis and hear His voice saying walk this way for that is my way. My eyes must be turned to ‘home’ in all I do and say. This is what the Master says. Listen to Him! GodStrong. SpiritLead. Then I can resist the devil’s scheme. Focus on Christ my Saviour and stand firm on that Rock.
Help me daily Lord in my pilgrim’s progress that my journey in always in You for You are my SonShine! Light my Way, always!
he whole world was lost
In the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday,
His glory shone in.
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Refrain:
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me.
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!
No darkness have we
Who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light
When we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!