Promise Keeper
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.”
Matthew 4:1 (NIV)
Today’s verse describes the beginning of the battle between Jesus and His most powerful enemy.
Some advance the premise that Jesus could have sinned if He wanted to, but that He refused. Even so, everyone agrees Jesus didn’t sin, though they might not understand that He was God (and God doesn’t change). Our holy God will not, cannot, do evil.
“Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?“ (John 8:46 ESV)
God is holy and therefore cannot commit sin. Jesus cannot act in any way that is contrary to His holy character.
“If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.“ (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT)
The purpose of Jesus being tempted was to demonstrate (to us) that He is always the same.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.“ (Hebrews 13:8 NLT)
The scenes of His temptations (when Satan brought suggestions to Him that He refused), tells us that when Jesus promises something to us, He’s as good as His promise.
He won’t change His mind concerning what He has told us He will do. One of His amazing promises is that He would never reject anyone who comes to Him.
“However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.“ (John 6:37 NLT)
Everyone Jesus embraces is certain to be with Him forever. Our spouse may have promised to never leave us (and then break that promise), but with Jesus a promise made is a promise kept. He will never leave or reject us.
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NLT)
If you’ve been abandoned by your parents, a spouse, children, or anyone else, don’t think that Jesus would ever do the same. He’s the friend Who stays closer than a brother.
“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.“ (Proverbs 18:24 NLT)
Jesus will never desert anyone who believes in Him. As difficult as it is when someone abandons you, never forget that the Lord (in Whom you trust) will never leave you. You are His forever.
“It is clear that the souls of Old Testament believers fed much on God’s promises. They were obliged to walk by faith far more than we are. They knew nothing of the great facts which we know about Christ’s life, and death, and resurrection. They looked forward to redemption as a thing hoped for, but not yet seen–and their only warrant for their hope was God’s covenanted word. Their faith may well put us to shame.“ J.C. Ryle