Dave's Diary

On Wednesday we will start the first week of Lent. Our attention shifts now from the “Encounter” of the “Transfiguration”, to Jesus’ “Encounter” with “The Tempter” in the wilderness. But before we get to Jesus’ victorious battle against the Tempter, we must first be reminded of why that battle was necessary in the first place – that is, Adam’s fall to the wiles of the same Tempter.

Daily Reading: Genesis 3

Notice the Tempter’s tactics in the Garden, because they hadn’t changed very much at all in Jesus’ day, and they are still pretty much the same today. Twisting the truth, he questions God’s Word by questioning God’s boundaries for our first parents, “Did God really say …?” That is quickly followed up by questioning God’s motives, saying in effect, “God’s warning is not true. God only told you that because He wants to spoil your fun and keep you under His thumb.” The Tempter questions the goodness of God, calls into doubt the destructive power of sin, and eventually calls GOOD what God has called EVIL.

We live in a day and age when the Tempter continues his diabolical tactics to trip people up, lead us into sins and keep us separated from God by guilt and shame. Be alert today to the ways the evil one tries to deceive you or those around you. Look out for the temptation to push back against God’s good boundaries, question God’s good motives, or ignore the destructive power of sin. Be very alert to the way the culture of our day constantly pressurises us all to “toe the party line” on the supposedly constantly shifting and fluid boundaries of morality, right and wrong, ethics, truth and identity. Look out for the shady influence of that great enemy of our souls, the Tempter.

Unlike Adam and Eve let us not give in tamely to the temptations that come. Instead, like Jesus would later do, hold firm to the Word of God which so clearly reveals God’s will for our lives. Hold firm to God’s Word on your identity as a child of God. Hold firm to God’s Way of Life. Hold firm to your love for the Lord and His love for you, and do everything you can (in the power of the Holy Spirit) to please our Lord and King.

Lord Jesus, keep me standing strong by Your amazing grace. Amen.