Baited

Warriors Arise: August 12, 2023

Matthew 4:5-6 (NKJV) Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

This second temptation is actually dripping with offense. Once again he begins with, "If You are the Son of God…" Does the devil know or doesn't he? If he doesn't know, Jesus isn't going to tell him.

Jesus would not be baited. He cut the line before He could be hooked. Jesus had nothing to prove. He wasn't going to fight the way the devil wanted to fight. Jesus had already won the battle in heaven, the battle the devil started. There would not be a second battle like that until the trumpets sound and He is coming back riding on a white horse.

When the devil throws the insult again, he is looking for a rise out of Jesus. He thoughts might have been, "Surely, God's Son would not allow me to address Him in such a way. I will know it is Him by the way He reacts to my insult." Jesus had to respond differently. Even though He saw Satan fall to the earth like lightning, it doesn't mean the battle was over. Jesus was about to resume the fight. Jesus knew the battle ground was different. This time even though He was and is King, He had to win the battle as a commoner. He had to win this battle as a man, a human being. He didn't want to win the battle alone. He wanted each one who would profess Him as their Savior and Lord, to defeat the devil as well.

Jesus would not be baited because He was here to start the battle back up. He was here to win through His personal destiny. However, He was also here to teach God's people how to defeat the enemy when he tempted them. Jesus truly is the truth, the way, and the Life. He is demonstrating how we can defeat the devil. We do not have to be baited. We do not have to get upset. We do not have to prove who we are. We do have to take a stand and speak God's Word.

Father, thank you for Your Word. Thank You for all those who wrote the Word, preached the Word, and preserved the Word. I will learn Your Word. I will take a stand when the devil comes to tempt me. I will trust the Holy Spirit to speak to me and for Your Word to come quickly for my response. I trust You in all of Your ways. Thank You for sending Jesus to show me how to live victorious. I will remain in childlike faith and walk according to Your will. I will listen and follow You. I will allow the Holy Spirit to lead me, even if it is to be tempted by the devil; for I know, You are faithful and You will lead me into triumph in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

Join together as Believers in Jesus Christ to pray and to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.