(Read Matthew 4)
Jacksonville, Florida, Pastor Joby Martin talked about “Standing firm in our faith” in a recent sermon. His message came at an opportune time for me. Martin humorously and impactfully related Paul’s timeless directive from Ephesians, describing the role of the word of God in spiritual warfare. While we have been fighting the temptations of Satan since Adam and Eve, standing firm in our faith is not only about resisting the allure of the devil; it’s also about living in hope, lifting those in need, and lovingly pointing others to Christ.
My wife, daughter, her 1-year-old Vishla puppy, and I have been away on a tranquil Vermont vacation this week. The weather has been incredible, with little humidity, cool nights, and crystal blue skies. We eat well and play hard. My wife even strong-armed me to read a novel this week, and I finished it early. Then, the glow of our time together was pierced by horrible news from a long-time friend. Their 36-year-old daughter, who had been struggling with neuroblastoma, succumbed to the cancer. She had been through what they hoped was successful surgery earlier in the year, but the dreaded disease had other plans.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:14-17
I heard the news of our friend’s daughter the morning before I heard Joby Martin’s sermon. I thought about them all day, especially while listening to the message. How do you pick up and move on when your child endures something this tragic? Saying it’s not fair is obvious. Of course, it isn’t. Since sin entered the world, nothing here has been right until Jesus died on the cross. But you don’t say that to people when they’re in that space. I’ve heard from others who have tragically lost family members that one of the worst expressions is, “Well, God just gained another angel.” What people sometimes need to hear is silence. Sometimes, they just want to cry. Sometimes, they want quiet love, but they always want to find the hope of being reunited in love.
“The three most important words in all eternity,” Joby Martin said, “It is finished.” He explained the work of the only hands who can earn our spots in Heaven. Jesus Christ crushed death to have the final say on that matter. Christ’s death on the cross doesn’t prevent our death here on Earth; it’s still a 100% certainty, but His sacrifice offers up an eternal resting place for all who believe. “It is finished” means the work is done. Paid in full.
Does Christ’s finished work also help His followers mourn and heal? In my life, yes. God’s peace equips believers with the tools to stand firm in their faith and “put on the full armor of God” so we can stand firm against earthly and spiritual attacks. Every piece of armor Paul wrote about represents a crucial aspect of the Christian life: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. By embracing these spiritual tools, we can live victorious lives through Christ, resisting the enemy’s schemes and standing firm in faith.
Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:12-17
Psalm 90 is a prayer that Moses wrote, which reflects on the need for God’s favor and guidance in our brief time here. Moses appeals to God’s compassionate nature. He asked for mercy and kindness toward all His people, acknowledging their need for God’s grace amid life’s challenges. Moses asks God to fill His people with steadfast love, which is the source of true satisfaction and fulfillment. The “morning” in this passage symbolizes a new beginning or a fresh start, suggesting a daily renewal of God’s love.
People in their lowest valleys need to experience God’s unfailing love. It brings joy and gladness, not just as a temporary fix but as a lifelong contentment that transcends all things. Moses seeks God’s restoration and blessing in the hardships we endure, pointing out that while life may have its challenges, only God has the power to bring joy and restoration.
Moses’ heartfelt prayers call on God for wisdom, mercy, joy, and lasting impact. This passage encourages us to seek God’s guidance and favor in all aspects of life, trusting in His ability to bring fulfillment and significance to our days. I believe Moses emphasizes living with an eternal perspective, finding satisfaction in God’s love, and seeking to glorify God in all we do. There is an abundant joy that comes from a deep, abiding relationship with God that ultimately destroys the chaos that Satan puts in front of us.
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Matthew 4:8-11
At the end of his message, Pastor Martin concluded with the three most important words for a Christian until the day we meet Jesus in Heaven: “It is written.” I thought, “Wow!? Really?” He explained. God’s word is unfailing. His word is fixed. It provides truth, protection, and comfort for all that life throws at us. No matter the situation, God’s word trumps it all. God’s word still rules from the depths of Sheol to the highest mountaintops.
Rather than fall for the bait, Jesus showed His willingness to achieve His mission through the suffering and sacrifice that the cross required, rather than through worldly power without the cross that Satan offered. Satan’s plan, as do all his plans, bypasses God’s plans.
Jesus uses Scripture to resist temptation, particularly how He quotes Deuteronomy to assert that worship is due to God alone. This demonstrates the authority of God’s Word and the importance of knowing and using Scripture to combat the enemy’s lies, temptations, and trappings. Jesus’ rejection of Satan’s offer reveals His commitment to God’s will and trust in God’s plan, even when it involves suffering. True worship involves trusting God’s purposes, even when they don’t pleasantly align with what’s going on in our lives.
Satan leaves after Jesus’ rebuke, and the fact that angels minister to Him is a sign of Jesus’ victory over temptation and the enemy, which Jesus achieved on the cross and through His resurrection. Just as angels ministered to Jesus, believers can trust that God will provide comfort and strength after periods of testing and temptation.
Time, space, love, compassion, worship, use of Scripture, and trusting in God’s plan, even in the face of turmoil, are ways to overcome the enemy’s temptation and the sting of death.
All week long, I have thought of our friend’s daughter. I hadn’t spoken with them since we moved away six years ago, but I told them we had just prayed for them. Keeping things simple, I just told them we were praying for their comfort and healing. I told them we believe God will be with them through this and keep them close. They are followers of Christ, and I know there will be a time for us to discuss Biblical passages. I know they know there will be perfect healing for those who believe. They also know that God comforts His children who suffer. Jesus stands with them as they mourn. His tears run down His face, as they did when Lazarus died. Our friends know this is not the end of the story. There is another much brighter chapter, which is light years longer than this one. Because it is written.
Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Ephesians 6:23-24
Key Applications:
- Set aside time for self-reflection and prayer. In prayer, bring your concerns and struggles to God. Trust in His compassion and ask for His intervention when you feel weak or overwhelmed.
- Start your day by reflecting on God’s love. Cultivate a habit of gratitude by regularly thanking God for His love and faithfulness.
- In times of hardship, look for ways God might be working in your life. Maintain hope and look for the blessings and moments of joy that God provides even in tough times. Journaling can help you track how God has brought joy after seasons of difficulty.