Starting this morning, we are going to look at three fights fought in the enormous arena called earth. Think of it as a mini-series, but don’t minimize the intent. The intent is to make sure you are ready to fight your spiritual battles. Today, Saturday, a “broadcaster” will give you a blow-by-blow description of a fight fought by Jesus. Everything should start with the Lord, right? The Scriptures for today are taken from Matthew 4:1-11 (Amplified Bible) and provide the “broadcaster’s” commentary below. Oh, in case you are wondering, I’m not going to tell you about the other two parts of this series today. You will have to read the Sunday and Monday editions of Mark Writes. Make sure you check them out! You can learn something of value from all three of the fights related issues. See them all! Why not? It’s free! (As they say in church, “Hallelujah somebody!”)
FIGHT NUMBER ONE
Broadcaster: “The venue has been set! Let me describe what’s happening:” “Then Jesus was led by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After He had gone without food for forty days and forty nights, He became hungry.
Broadcaster: “Entering the ring is the tempter. He’s over-confident that he can win. He throws the first punch. Check it out!” “And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
Broadcaster: “The tempter has met his match. His name is Jesus. Jesus hits back sharply with a straightforward, truly perfect jab!” “But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’”
Broadcaster: “The tempter is definitely dazed but determined to keep trying to bring Jesus down and deter Him from fighting on and claiming a win! Keep your eye on what’s going on! Another punch comes from the tempter!” Then the devil took Him into the holy city [Jerusalem] and placed Him on the pinnacle (highest point) of the temple. And he said [mockingly] to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You [to serve, care for, protect and watch over You]’; and ‘They will lift you up on their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’”
Broadcaster: “Unfazed, unmoved, unaffected, Jesus blocks the deceptive punch! He is not fooled, not at all, by the inappropriate use of the punch! The Master is alert and he reads the punch, a misapplication in the adversary’s punch! Look at the heavy hit Jesus delivers in return with the other hand!” “Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’”
Broadcaster: “Oh, it is on now! The tempter, better known as the devil, tries another move to bring Jesus down! Look at his move folks!” “Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory [splendor, magnificence, and excellence] of them; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.”
Broadcaster: Jesus, once again took the punch and did not lose His footing. He did not have to budge and weave. He just delivered another blow, immediately and without delay! Look! Look!” “Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’”
Broadcaster: It’s over for now! This fight is over! At the venue, Jesus wins! He gets the victory. Other fights will come, but He seems prepared to continue to reign in victory! Here is how the fight ended!” “Then the devil left Him; and angels came and ministered to Him [bringing Him food and serving Him].”
Broadcaster: Learn from the winner my friend! Learn from Jesus! Get ready to rumble! As you get ready, make sure to note how knowing the word of God and the will of God will help you have the victory in your next fight against the tempter. Yes, it will! As a matter of fact, the word will help you have victory after victory! Take some time and celebrate Jesus’ win! FYI: I’ll be broadcasting another bout tomorrow! Tune in! Meanwhile… “Be blessed!”
Mark L. King