He hadn’t eaten for 40 days and His stomach was surely complaining.
But that didn’t keep Jesus from declaring that scripture was more important than food when it comes to our overall health.
You’ll recall from the gospel accounts of Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness that Satan played to the Lord’s famished flesh and suggested that He turn a stone into bread.
Jesus rejected the Esau-like response of “I want it now!” and thought long-term, not short-term.
Jesus knew the soul was far more important than the stomach.
And that’s why He said that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Did Jesus just cook up that quote to sound spiritual and to counter Satan’s scheme?
No.
Instead, Jesus was showing the fruit of many years of scripture study and memorization. For what Jesus told Satan is what Moses told the Israelites in Deuteronomy just before they entered the Promised Land more than 1,400 years earlier.
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3)
Wow.
A 40-day fast from food. A 40-day feast on the Word.
No wonder Jesus was so resistent to Satan’s efforts.
Whenever you’re hungry, my friend, let it be a reminder to you that God also wants us consuming His Word with the same dedication.
We’ll be far less vulnerable to Satan’s traps if we’ll do this.
And far happier with reduced stress, by the way.
As always, I love you
Martin
Martin,
I always enjoy how insightful your postings are. Thank you for your continued dedication to this calling God has given you! I wish you and your lovely family a very blessed Easter!
Theresa
It’s good to hear from you again, Theresa. I appreciate your encouragement. Yes, the Lord has been very kind to me with providing the inspiration for the Morning Devotion after I do my morning Bible reading. Like His Holy Spirit, the “winds” of His voice speaking into my heart and mind each weekday are among the greatest blessings in my life. I am not worthy of being used by Him but I am profoundly grateful that He chooses to do so.
How is your family doing? Your parents? Kids grow up so fast, don’t they?
Please drop me an update on your life now and then. I love hearing of how God cares for His daughters.
Martin