God Doesn’t Trick Us
Okay y’all, this Bonhoeffer devotional is something else!!! Today’s entry addresses the testing of Jesus from the perspective of intercessory love. Isn’t that a great phrase? The devil challenged Jesus to use is power…”If you are the Son of God”.
Intercession comes in with the realization that Jesus is not the only one hungry. But millions are hungry and are focused only on the one who can feed them. There can be no passion toward God unless He feeds first.
Jesus rejects the devil’s suggestion to prove His power, and satisfy Himself alone. His response is clear —
One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. — Matthew 4:4
Bonhoeffer says that this basically means that God deceives no one. That is a beautiful thought, that God does not trick us in allowing the testing.
Further though, is the thought that intercession is holding for the others holding out for us during the testing. And in holding out, we do not resent the ones for whom we sacrifice. We do not hate or remind them of their inability to be the sacrifice. But in intercessory love, we remember them when we want to “eat”.
Wow, Jesus is amazing. Oh, to be like Him.
Selah, and love to all.
Reference: Bonhoeffer, D. (1906-1945). I want to live these days with you: A year of daily devotions. (O. C. Dean, Jr., Trans.). London, England: Westminster John Knox Press.
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