«Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time» (Luke 4:13).
AFTER BEING THE OBJECT OF A CRUSHING DEFEAT in the wilderness of temptation, one would expect the devil to not seek a new confrontation with Jesus. But we know that was not the case because, as todays verse tells us, the devil turned away from Him «until an opportune time.»
The expression «until an opportune time» in the Greek, according to Marvin R. Vincent, literally means «until a convenient time.»
That is how the devil works! No wonder he has a lot of success! And what was this «opportune time» in the case of the Lord Jesus? Probably whenever it was convenient, because the life of Christ «was one long struggle against the powers of darkness.»—The Desire of Ages, ch. 7, p. 71.
There are several lessons for us here. The first is that the devil never gives up. When we believe that he will finally leave us alone, he returns, and in a stronger manner, in order to defeat us. Thus he tempted our Lord, and he also intends to cause you and me to fall. For this reason, Scripture clearly exhorts us to remain attentive, because «the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour» (1 Peter 5:8). And we already know how the lion attacks. It doesn’t rush. It simply waits for «an opportune time.»
The second thing we must remember is that our Lord was tempted in everything, just like we are, but was without sin. By being tempted in everything, Jesus can understand us when you and I are tempted. This is why we can approach «boldly . the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need» (Hebrews 4:16).
This means that if you are fighting a great temptation right now, you don’t have to face it with your own strength. On your side is a powerful Savior who has already defeated the enemy in all areas, and who now longs to give you victory over that temptation, whatever it may be.
Finally, remember that the enemy you are facing not only knows how to attack you, but also when to attack you. If he is not tempting you now, he will do it in a timely manner. He doesn’t need you to give him your help by placing yourself on enemy ground. Thomas Fuller said, «If you don’t want to negotiate with the devil, stay away from his shop,»
Thank You, Jesus, because even though You were tempted, You did not sin. Today, by faith, I claim this victory, and with the power of Your Holy Spirit, I resolve to stay away from temptation.
#AdultsDevotional
#RadioJovenAdventista
#MeditacionesDiarias
Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
