FEBRUARY 20

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
(Matthew 4:1)

A holy character does not prevent temptation—Jesus was tempted. When Satan tempts us, his sparks fall upon tinder, but in Christ’s case, it was like striking sparks on water, yet the enemy continued his evil work. Now, if the devil goes on striking when there is no result, how much more will he do it when he knows what inflammable stuff our hearts are made of. Though you become greatly sanctified by the Holy Spirit, expect the great dog of hell will still bark at you. We expect to be tempted in the haunts of men, but even seclusion will not guard us against the same trial.

Jesus Christ was led away from human society into the wilderness and was tempted by the devil. Solitude has its charms and benefits and may be useful in checking the lust of the eye and the pride of life, but the devil will follow us into the most lovely retreats. Do not suppose that only the worldly-minded have dreadful thoughts and blasphemous temptations, for even spiritually minded persons endure the same, and in the holiest position; we may suffer the darkest temptation.

The utmost consecration of spirit will not insure you against satanic temptation. Christ was consecrated through and through. It was His meat and drink to do the will of Him that sent Him—and yet He was tempted! Your hearts may glow with an angelic flame of love for Jesus, and yet the devil will try to bring you down to lukewarm uselessness. If you tell me when God permits a Christian to lay aside his armour, I will tell you when Satan has left off temptation.

Like the old knights in wartime, we must sleep with helmets and breastplates buckled on, for the arch-deceiver will seize our first unguarded moment to make us his prey. May the Lord keep us watchful in all seasons and grant us a final escape from the lion’s jaw and the bear’s paw.