day 5: the Devil

Day 5: The Devil

Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:1-11

Beloved in Christ,

The wilderness is a place none of us willingly chooses, yet it is often the very place where our real battles are fought. After His baptism, when the heavens had opened and the Father’s voice declared, “This is my beloved Son,” Jesus was led into the wilderness. There, in silence and hunger, the devil came. It is striking that temptation did not meet Jesus at a moment of weakness caused by sin, but at a moment of obedience. This reminds us that testing is not always a sign that we are far from God; sometimes it is evidence that we are walking closely with Him.

The enemy’s strategy was subtle. He did not invite Jesus to commit obvious evil. Instead, he offered reasonable alternatives—bread for hunger, power without suffering, glory without the cross. Each temptation carried the same hidden question: Will you trust the Father, or will you take control yourself? This is always the heart of temptation. Sin rarely appears ugly at first; it appears efficient, logical, even justified. Yet beneath it lies a quiet invitation to step out of trusting obedience. Notice how our Lord responded. Jesus did not argue creatively or rely on clever reasoning. He stood firmly on the Word of God. Scripture was not merely information to Him; it was His nourishment, His defense, His anchor. Where Adam failed in a garden of abundance, Christ triumphed in a wilderness of deprivation. He succeeded not through displays of power but through steadfast faithfulness.

This passage gently exposes our own hearts. How often are we tempted to grasp what God has not yet given? How often do we try to secure blessings without the patience of obedience? We may not stand on a temple roof or survey the kingdoms of the world, but we know the inner voice that whispers, “Take it now. You deserve it. Why wait?” Yet Jesus shows us a better way. Victory over temptation does not come through sheer willpower; it comes through trusting surrender. The Son trusted the Father so completely that even hunger could not persuade Him otherwise. His triumph in the wilderness is not only an example for us—it is hope for us. Because He has overcome, we are not left defenseless in our own struggles.

Dear friends, when you find yourself in a wilderness season, do not assume God has abandoned you. The wilderness may be the very place where God is strengthening your soul, clarifying your calling, and teaching you to live by every word that comes from His mouth. Temptation may press in, but grace presses in more. So stand firm. Feed on Scripture. Trust the Father’s timing. And remember: the same Lord who resisted the devil walks beside you today

Prayer:

Holy One of Israel, you who resisted the temptations of the devil by depending wholly on the Word of God and the presence of the Spirit, strengthen me so that I may also remain steadfast in you. I abide in you so that neither power nor riches, neither kingdom nor splendor, will ever take your place in my heart.

In Christ’s peace and strength.

Rev. Won Kim

Lead Pastor of RockSpring Church