Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Claiming the Promise of Provision

Scripture: Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Matthew 4:11

Observation: One of the underrated details of the temptation of Jesus is this, that when satan left Jesus, angels arrived and cared for on him. The implication of "waiting" on Jesus is that they fed him. Therefore, what happened immediately after Jesus resisted the temptations of satan was that everything with which satan tempted Jesus was then done for him by God:

-- Satan tempted Jesus to eat, and the angels fed him.
-- Satan tempted Jesus to test if angels would protect him, and angels arrived to care for him.
-- Satan tempted Jesus to receive earthly authority, and by sending God's own angels he showed that Jesus had all authority on earth and in heaven.

Application: Both God and satan know what I want and what I need, and they both know human desires and motivations and ambitions. Temptation involves being offered those things through earthly means that are opposed to the ways and will of God, often through sin and the harm of others. However, Jesus shows me that when I reject those paths to the things I desire, God will provide them in his time and his way, because he loves me and knows I need them.

The apostles teach this exact message. Jesus says these exact lesson. The Lord pronounces these exact promises through Moses and other prophets.

Prayer: Lord, this is my first claimed promise this year, that you will provide for both my needs and my desires, when I resist pursuing them through earthly means. Thank you for your promise and your love, and for your daily provision in my life. Amen.

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