Lent Day 4: Scripture As The Enemy’s Tool

Even as the enemy tries to stay up to date with new tricks for seducing Christians in a 21st century world, one can assume that one of his favorites has to be the one he used for tempting Jesus in the desert – scripture (Matthew 4:6). Quoting scripture perfectly, he attempted to twist the understanding of selected verses from Psalm 91 to suit his purpose of wanting Jesus to carry out his will. Perhaps he did not realize that he was dealing with The Word Made Flesh, as Jesus was able to quash his twisted request with a firm scripture verse about not testing God.

Now, if we think that the master of deceit and father of lies will not attempt what he did to Jesus with us the followers of Jesus, we are sorely mistaken. From making us desire the vengeance taught in the old testament over the blessing of enemies taught by Jesus; to avoiding sinners and shunning wicked people over the examples Jesus gave of dining with sinners and desiring the conversion of the wicked, satan will give us bible verses that can be used to justify his designs and desires for us. Sub-consciously, we know he never means well for us, but we give in to our fleshly nature over the renewed spirit that should be guiding us.

In succumbing to scripture that justifies our fleshly thinking, we strut our self-righteousness about, vainly ignoring the fact that Jesus came to take our walk with God to the next level with the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5-7). We do well to run our scripture meditations, decisions and actions through the filter of The Word that became Flesh and follow His examples, if we really appreciate what He has done for us on the Cross.

I desire mercy, not sacrifice, says the Lord, for I did not come to call the just but sinners. Matthew 9:13. ……I have no pleasure in the death of wicked people, but that the wicked turn from his way and live – Ez. 33:11 and 18:23. And who will God use to bring these sinners and wicked to conversion if we Christians decide to shun them? May we receive the grace to be available for the use of God but not susceptible to the influences of man as we carry out The Great Commission.