February 6 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Matthew 4:1–11

Devotional

The devil came to Christ, the second Adam. The Savior was led to stand face to face with the devil. In our case, however, the devil already lives in us. He is already within the City of Mansoul. We have given the key of our heart to the prince of darkness. An alliance was made with the prince of darkness. We have sold ourselves to him. Does this bother you? The most terrible thing is, that love has left us. Our natural inclination is to care for ourselves and not to love God. We prefer the fleshpots of Egypt over heavenly manna. We prefer that which tastes the best. When love is no longer present, we desire blessings but not the Benefactor. Christ suffered hunger for such people. He loved them with an eternal love.

Jesus took the stones to Himself in order to give His people the Bread of Life. And God still provides food for hungry people. People of God, remember that every crumb of bread originates from Him. In response, you start to love Him above everything. When you realize that for the sake of your salvation He preferred God above gifts, then you learn to adore Him. Through His Spirit, you learn to reject the word of the prince of darkness. In your own strength it is impossible but in His strength we can overcome the wiles of the devil. “Get thee hence, Satan.”

In the way of sanctification, the Lord gives strength to resist the evil one. We are set apart and given strength through the power of Christ. Be aware, church of God, that Christ the Surety was in the wilderness so that you would be brought into His communion. The day will come when that communion will be so perfect that an end will come to all tribulation, to every struggle, and to every temptation. Then the prince of darkness will be thrown into the lake of fire. God’s people shall forever be conquerors with Christ. In communion with God, they will eat bread at the marriage supper of the Lamb. The focus will not be upon Christ’s gifts, or upon the marriage supper of the Lamb, but upon Christ the Lamb.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.