Stay On Mission

The second temptation of Jesus, as Matthew records it (Luke reverses the order of the second and third temptation), is fascinating. In regard to the first temptation, Jesus has quoted Scripture to Satan to refute his reasoning—Scripture that emphasizes Scripture in fact: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Satan then quotes Psalms 91:11,12 as the basis for his next temptation, urging Jesus to throw Himself off the highest point of the temple, for surely the angels will not let him be harmed.

We would certainly do well to heed the warning here. A temptation may come to us clothed in Scripture and seemingly justified by God’s word.

Jesus replies with “Not so fast” (my paraphrase). “On the other hand, it is written, you shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” I believe Jesus was saying, “That’s not what I am here for, and I am not going to play your little game. You are not going to move Me off My mission.

How easy it is to play games with God’s word! And with our brothers and sisters—Christian and not so Christian! How easy it is to stray from the purpose for which we are here! How easy it is to move away from the particular mission God has given me!

Lord, help me today to stay on mission, doing what You have called me to do, and being who You have called me to be!