Tests

 Matthew 4:1-11 (NASB)

"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And then the tempter came and said to Him, 'If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.' But He answered and said, 'It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.' " (please continue to read verses 5-11)

    You ever continue to read a passage of scripture over and over again, until one day, the Holy Spirit decides to give you revelation through this specific passage? The famous saying, "I've never seen that before until now." Well, it's definitely true once I have finally taken the time to be consistent in reading the Bible. So, in saying all of this, I wanted to share what the Holy Spirit revealed to me from the scriptures above.

    As we should, I have learned from Jesus and the tests that He went through in the wilderness (those recorded anyway). First test was that of His gut/hunger. Jesus was tested on His control of His flesh. "Well, Chelseá, He was fasting for a whole 40 days and nights," but that's not the point I am trying to address. The lesson I took home was that our flesh is a powerful thing ie. one part being that of our hunger. What really is the hunger for food verses the hunger for God's Word? Jesus really put things into perspective (Deut 8:3, NASB). Learn to have control over your flesh and not your flesh having control over you; this includes emotions as well (Matt 26:41, NASB). 

    The devil also tested Jesus' flesh with that of the issue of pride and/or position/rank by sliding in the comment, "If you are the Son of God," knowing good and well Who he was talking to. Jesus could have easily took the bait (out of offense) and said, "Bet. Let Me show you Who I am," but what was revealed here was His maturity, loyalty, wisdom, and revelation of Who God was. What was shown was the product and end-result of what fasting should look like walking with God. Again, yes, Jesus was fasting for 40 days, but His life-style was for the glorification of the Father (Ps 139, NASB). 

    Another test presented before Jesus was subtle false teachings, perverting the scripture in order to trick and manipulate Jesus into doing something that you should obviously not do. Hmmm...how do I say this? There are a lot of false teachers coming out the woodworks these days, it's ridiculous (1 John 4:1-6, NASB). However, I mean, we were warned were we not (Matt 24:4-14, NASB)? It is important to be very careful of whose teaching you follow, especially if it's not Biblical; do not follow any one who teaches outside of scriptural context (Matt 10:16, 2 Timothy 2:15, NASB). 

    I know this is a bit long, but there was one last test recorded that Jesus was presented with, and that was the test of loyalty. Jesus' heart posture was revealed concerning Who His real master and ruler was. He didn't worship mammon (wealth), the world and it's possessions, or anything of the sort...His heart was for the Lord (Matt 6:19-21, NASB). God doesn't take too kindly to idolization (Ex 20:5, 32:1-10, NASB). 

    When these things mentioned are presented before you, and the Lord has spoken against it, where is your heart posture? I know this is a repetitive message, but even that much more important. There's a sanctification, purification, consecration, and all other kinds of "tions" taking place in the Body of Christ right now, and I know it's not for no reason. God is pulling us in for protection, discernment, growth, revelation, knowledge, wisdom, and more for His Kingdom and other things to come. Be ready...

***Let's Pray!!! 💖 Thank you Lord for your goodness and your mercy that never fails. We will stick by you and with you forevermore. Lord, continue to mold us into becoming your friends and partners that you can work with and get things of the Kingdom done for your glory. We don't want waste that which you have created. Father, continue to lead and guide us by the Holy Spirit. Lord, we know you are a Father who disciplines those whom you love, so continue to encourage us with your Word and revelation that the tests are for our good and growth, and not our detriment. As Job told his wife, we not only expect good from you but also adversity. We know any and everything that you do is only for our good. You are amazing, you are awesome, and Lord you make ways where there was none. Father, we will continue to lean, depend, and trust in you and your Word. In Jesus' Name-Amen.***