Matthew Chapter 4: Verses 1-4 (NIV)
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting for forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’
Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Ephesians Chapter 6: Verse 17 (NIV)
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. He was not spared difficult times just because He was the Son of God. The devil came to tempt Him when He was at his weakest physically. He was hungry, so the devil struck at that weak spot by tempting Him to turn the stones into bread. It was not an empty taunt – the devil knew that Jesus could do that if He chose to. But Jesus also knew He had to resist, and He knew where He could find the strength He needed. He said, “it is written…”
That’s why it is important for us to become familiar with the Bible. In its pages there is everything we need to help us in every situation we find ourselves in. The Bible, which is the word of God is called the sword of the Spirit for good reason, and we need to become proficient at using it. After all, if Jesus did, then so should we.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that we are blessed to have access to Your word in many forms, be it paper form, audio or other electronic. Help me to turn to it when I’m tempted, weary and struggling so that I can stand in times of trial. Help me to not neglect it either when things are going well, because it is the thing that feeds me spiritually, as Jesus Himself said. Just as we need to eat well to grow and be healthy, we need to do the same spiritually. Thank You for providing that for us in the Bible. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.