Matthew 4:5-7 (ICB)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Then the devil led Jesus to the holy city of Jerusalem. He put Jesus on a very high place of the Temple. The devil said, \u2018If you are the Son of God, jump off. It is written in the Scriptures, \u201cHe has put his angels in charge of you. They will catch you with their hands. And you will not hit your foot on a rock.\u201d\u2019 (Psalm 91:11-12) Jesus answered him, \u2018It also says in the Scriptures, \u201cDo not test the Lord your God.\u201d\u2019” (Deuteronomy 6:16)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This passage reminds me of something we often overlook: the devil can use the very Word of God to tempt you. He did it with Jesus, and he still does it today. Have you ever felt torn between two scriptures that seem to contradict each other? One verse tells you to act, while another tells you to wait. One tells you to speak up, while another tells you to stay silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key is discernment. Jesus knew how to respond because He understood the heart of God. When Satan tempted Him to jump, the verse Satan used was true\u2014God does promise to protect us. But Jesus responded with another truth: we are not to test God. One verse was being twisted for selfish reasons, while the other pointed back to obedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the same thing happens to us. Let\u2019s say you are in a situation where someone has wronged you. The devil might tempt you by quoting Exodus 21:24\u2014”Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” You might feel justified in retaliating, thinking, “God allows justice, so I have every right to do this.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But then there\u2019s Romans 12:19\u2014”Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God\u2019s wrath, for it is written: \u2018It is mine to avenge; I will repay,\u2019 says the Lord.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So which scripture should you follow?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The answer is simple: the one that glorifies God, not yourself. Retaliation might feel right, but forgiveness and leaving justice in God’s hands requires dying to self. True obedience is about surrendering our own desires and trusting that God’s way is always higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And look at what happened to Jesus. After He resisted temptation, “the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to Him.” (Matthew 4:11) That\u2019s what happens when we choose God\u2019s way over our own\u2014He takes care of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So the next time you feel pulled in two directions by scripture, ask yourself: Which choice gives God the most glory? Then take that path, even if it\u2019s the hardest one. Because when you choose to die to self, God will always be there to strengthen you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have a beautiful day. \ud83d\udda4<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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