“And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13).
This verse is so instructive for us. Luke is describing the circumstances after Jesus successfully resisted the devil’s temptation. But we should not overlook the future aspect of this verse.
After failing, the devil departed from Jesus UNTIL an opportune time. Satan didn’t give up; he only retreated until a future time more appropriate for his purposes.
If the devil didn’t give up looking for opportunities to tempt Jesus, why would I think he would give up on his desire to tempt me? Peter warns us about the nature of the devil: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Let’s extend the metaphor. When a lion fails to catch the gazelle, does he a) forever give up, or b) try again? If a gazelle happens to escape the clutches of the lion, should it a) disregard the likelihood of a future attack by the lion, or b) remain on alert for a future attack?
Based on both Luke’s assessment and Peter’s warning, I should consider a successful defense against the enemy’s temptation the BEGINNING of the battle rather than the end. I must not allow pride to lull me into a false sense of security. I must guard my mind and heart and eyes and ears against the wiles of the devil.
Father, please help me take these warnings seriously. Help me to realize how crafty the devil is and how foolish I can be. Amen.
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