Evening, February 20
Go To Morning Reading
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted
of the devil.”
Matthew 4:1
A holy character does not avert 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 Ghost, expect that the great dog of hell will bark at
you still. In the haunts of men we expect to be tempted, but even
seclusion will not guard us from the same trial. Jesus Christ was
led away from human society into the wilderness, and was tempted of
the devil. Solitude has its charms and its 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
it is only the worldly-minded who have dreadful thoughts and blasphemous
temptations, for even spiritual-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 a seraphic flame of love to Jesus,
and yet the devil will try to bring you down to Laodicean lukewarmness.
If you will 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 war time, we must sleep with helmet and breastplate
buckled on, for the arch-deceiver will seize our first unguarded hour
to make us his prey. The Lord keep us watchful in all seasons, and
give us a final escape from the jaw of the lion and the paw of the
bear.