And so it is a new year...
A new beginning. A fresh start.
It is remarkable how - even though nothing really changes in the transition from December 31st to January 1st - we somehow feel refreshed. As if we have been given a new lease on life. We suddenly have new goals (for the same things), new energy (to tackle the same problems), new hope (for positive change in the same circumstances). We wait in hopeful anticipation of what the new year may bring.
When we have had a particularly rough year - like 2013 has been for many - we are especially eager to wave farewell to the old and expectantly welcome the new.
Even though I have just finished the new testament (and my NLT chronological Bible), I've decided to also start the new year with the new testament (this year taking on the Amplified Bible). After all, that is exactly what it represents: a new beginning, a fresh start. New life.
The very first chapter in the new testament (Matthew 1), describes the birth of Jesus - a promise fulfilled by God, representing the new covenant with His people. Offering a new beginning, a fresh start. Offering a new life to those who, unlike Herod, would accept Him as their Savior - the very meaning of His name (Jesus), also called Emmanuel -
"God with us"
She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]. All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet, "Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel–which, when translated, means, God with us." [Isa. 7:14.] (Matthew 1:21-23 AMP)
I would like to start this year having God-with-me. I want to walk it with my Savior, so that I will not miss God - the purpose of life.
Matthew fastforwards 30 odd years to the scene where Jesus is baptized in the Jordan by John the Baptist and the Spirit of God descends on Him.
I have never noticed this before... In the last verse of Matthew 3, God proclaims His love for Jesus. But in the very next verse starting off Matthew 4, Jesus - led by the Spirit - is tested and tried by satan. Even though He is God's Beloved Son, in Whom He delights...
And behold, a voice from heaven said, This is My Son, My Beloved, in Whom I delight! [Ps. 2:7; Isa. 42:1.] (Matthew 3:17 AMP) THEN JESUS was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil. (Matthew 4:1 AMP)
Priscilla Shirer (One in a million: journey to your promised land)
The sequence of spiritual events in the life of Jesus, as described in the first chapters of Matthew, could be simply summarized as this: (re-)birth, baptism in water and the Holy Spirit, trial and temptation (baptism of fire). Looking at my own experience, it feels so familiar.
Even though God delights in us. Even though we are His dearly beloved. We will still be tested and tried. But the important thing to know is that we still have the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Matthew says that Jesus was taken into the desert (uncomfortable and difficult circumstances) where He fasted for forty days and nights (physically and mentally challenged) and later He was hungry (He needed sustenance and provision).
"And then the temper came..." (Matthew 4:3 AMP)
How typical of the devil to tempt us when we are at our most vulnerable. In difficult circumstances. Challenged beyond our apparent ability to endure. In need of provision and breakthrough.
Deceitful, sly. Satan came. Making false claims and promises. Tempting Jesus to go against His faith, against His God.
Jesus was confronted three times, in each instance given a choice to either do the will of the Father or give in to satan's temptation - usually the easy way out.
Satan tried to test Jesus through temptation and deceit. Hoping that He would give in, hoping that He would fail. In His circumstances. His challenges. His need.
But the devil is no match for Him. He fought back with knowledge of the Word. With faith and endurance. And answered him this:
But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. [Deut. 8:3.]...
Jesus said to him, On the other hand, it is written also, You shall not tempt, test thoroughly, or try exceedingly the Lord your God. [Deut. 6:16.]...
Then Jesus said to him, Begone, Satan! For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve. [Deut. 6:13.]... (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 AMP)
When we are faced with trials and temptation, we should look to Jesus as our example. I find that if we fail the test, we are usually confronted with it again and again. Until our response qualifies and we pass the test. For more often than not our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of the spiritual realm. (Ephesians 6:12)
Not only do we have physical needs, we also have spiritual ones. The Word of God is our food - without which we would starve spiritually. It is also our weapon when satan tries to test us. To tempt us. How can we fight back if we have no weapon? If we are spiritually starved? That makes it so much easier to just give up and let the devil win.
When we are faced with difficulty, we often blame God. We challenge Him. Argue with Him. Bargain with Him. We listen to that whispering voice, urging us on, asking Where is your God now? But Jesus says, we are not to tempt, test or try God. We have to learn to trust Him. To yield to His plans for us. Either way, we are still going that way. His way - fighting and screaming, or calmly trusting.
If there is one thing satan loves, it is to tempt us with earthly wealth. With material things. With fame and fortune. Many of us are too shortsighted to look beyond that. If we don't have it, we want it. If we do, we want more. We immediately get tripped up by sparkling promises. We sell our souls to the devil. (Matthew 6:24)
Then the devil departed from Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. (Matthew 4:11 AMP)
Once Jesus overcame, not only did satan leave (along with his trials and temptations), but God sent angels to look after His needs.
