Scripture: Mark 1: Verse 9
One day Jesus journeyed from Nazareth to Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River. Immediately the Spirit led Jesus deep in the wilderness for forty days to be tempted by Satan. Only the most feared beasts and savage creatures dwelt in that part of the wilderness and yet Jesus was secure, safe and unhurt by the wild animals.
All of us are subject to wilderness experience. When we are in our wilderness in the midst of false prophets, wickedness, ravening wolves and devils, we too can be safe and secure from all harm and alarm in the arms of Jesus. We can be like Adam in the Garden of Eden before the fall of man when Adam had control and dominion over the beasts, animals and creatures.
We can also be like Daniel in the lions’ den when God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions that could not injure or devour Daniel. Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the lions’ den, unharmed and victorious.
Soon after a victory, we could have our wilderness experience because we are in battle, in war and under constant attack by the enemy. In this battle it is our goal and objective to defeat Satan. In battle the enemy would test us to learn our weakness, probe our defence and attack, but armed with the whole armour of God we would be able to stand. The same techniques used by Satan in the Garden of Eden are applied today. The apostle Paul declares in Ephesians that Satan is a person, a fallen angel and a false accuser. (Eph. 6:12).
The false accuser would tempt us by: (1) The lust of the flesh. When we become physically and spiritually hungry and thirsty, Satan would whisper that we could satisfy both body and soul by eating only bread. The Bible proclaims that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. (Matt. 4: 4)
Satan would test us by: (2) The lust of the eyes. “All these things will I give you.” Satan promises to give the world and all that we could see; all the riches and possessions; the Hollywood scenario, the Wall Street and Madison Avenue get rich schemes that lead to covetousness and corruption.
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. All things were made by Him and we are His heirs and joint heirs with Christ. (Jn. 1:1)
The Devil would also probe us by: (3) attacking our pride. Satan would plant seeds of vainglory in our hearts that would make us crave for pomp and grandeur. To seek after honour and applause in the sight of man. To be overly ambitious, arrogant, to do anything that is necessary to gain power and authority that corrupt the heart and aspire to achieve high titles and places.
Such people find out that the things of this world quickly fade away; that their desires soon fail and cease, that all is vanity and vexation of spirit, but the Word of the Lord is not like the lust that quickly passes away but endures forever.
