In the Gospels, Matthew 4 tells us that Jesus Christ was led into the wilderness to fast and pray for 40 days and nights. Some of us might think, “Boy, that’s a long time to go without food.” The mindset required for fasting is challenging for those of us living today because we’ve become very accustomed to modern conveniences but fasting that long wasn’t a piece of cake for our Lord and Master either. However, he showed us that fasting 40 days and nights can be done, and greater spiritual strength is the result of it. He placed his flesh under the submission of the Holy Spirit, and we can be sure that the time he spent communicating and fellowshipping with our Heavenly Father was beyond glorious. After 40 days of fasting and praying, it’s probably not too far of a stretch to say that although he might have been hungry, 40 days at times felt like 40 minutes. He was basking in the intimacy that he and the Father shared, and it’s extraordinary to know that we can have that same intimacy with God, and this is what He desires.
After he fasted, Jesus was tempted by the devil. This was no doubt an attempted coup by satan to ensnare our blessed Lord, and to do so while he was perhaps most vulnerable, but even while physically tapped and extremely hungry, Jesus did not budge from the Word of God. He answered every temptation with “It is written…” His response is not just a demonstration of his will, it is a testimony and proof of the power of God’s Word.
Adam and Eve revealed that all of us will be tempted at some point, but Jesus Christ was tempted far in excess of any tempting we will endure in our lifetimes. It was not the lower ranking demonic spirits, but it was the devil himself who tempted our Great Redeemer and offered to give him the many kingdoms of this world if Jesus would only bow down and worship him. Our Lord and Savior stood steadfast on the Word of God. He knew the power of the Word, and that it cannot fail. He also knew that the Word of God is the Holy Spirit’s sword! It is no secret that consistently resisting temptation can make us stronger spiritually, but Jesus Christ was not tempted in order that he could be made strong. He was already strong, and he understood that his strength comes from totally depending on God and His Word. We must have faith in this truth as well.
Hebrews 4:12(NLT) says, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Whether we know it or not, this verse is everything to us. God speaks to us through His written Word, and we must listen and obey it. The life of God that is in the Word He speaks is nourishment for our souls! It is God-breathed and inspired of the Holy Spirit! In Matthew 4:4(NKJV), Jesus Christ answered satan, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' ” The scriptures teach us how to live and love through God’s power, and if we neglect or refuse to acknowledge this truth, we will miss all that He has in store for our lives.
John 1:1-4(NLT) tells us, “1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.” Our powerful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the subject of this passage. God created everything through him, and John 1:14 tells us that he is the Word made flesh. He is everything that God created human beings to be. Our Heavenly Father wants us to be rock solid believers that are fully confident in Him. He has given us life through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and 1John 5:20 declares that now we live in fellowship with the True God! Let’s keep our relationship with the Father nourished by reading and studying His Word. It will infuse us with faith and spiritual strength, so that we can fulfill our purpose in God’s Will and live in the fullness of Christ!■
Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“The Word Gave Life to Everything that Was Created”, written by Vince Mack. Blessing Beads and More© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.