Matthew 4:8-11
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.
Be prepared.
Sara, James, Ella Cate, and I arrived at Ohio University on
Saturday morning to watch and listen to my grandson, Eli, play trumpet with his
marching band, along with several high school bands and the Ohio University 110
at their football game. The 110 is one of the best college marching bands in
the country. Once we were parked and made our way to the stadium, we met
Maggie, Michael, and Zeke, then found our seats on the metal bleachers. Even
though the temperature sat in the 80s, the relentless blaze of the sun and the
reflection off the bleachers made for an uncomfortable experience.
We watched the pregame performance, which was great, ate
sandwiches and watched some of the football game, then James, Ella Cate, and I headed
to a shady area. The shade from the bleachers provided a respite from the heat.
Just before half-time, we all headed to the end of the field to get a better
view of Eli's band. Somewhere along the way, my body started reacting to the
heat. As the band took the field, my stomach rolled, and I felt faint. After
the performance, James, Sara, Ella Cate and I went to leave. As we rounded a
corner, I grabbed Sara's arm and told her I was going to faint. She calmed my
panic and walked me to the first-aid tent. The wonderful people there gave me
ice, cold-packs, and water and helped me cool. In about thirty minutes, I felt
like myself again. In hind sight, I realize I hadn't prepared for the weather.
I should have worn a hat and used my cooling towel (made for hot weather
events.)
The sun's relentlessness reminds me of Satan. Not just
because of the heat, but because, like the blazing sun, he permeates into every possible space. He
pokes and prods in whatever way he can to get my attention away from Jesus. If
I'm not prepared, or prayed up, as Grammy used to say, I won't be ready for the
fight. Whether I want to think about it or not, I fight a spiritual battle
every day. I choose my weapons—the presence of God in my life, my
dependence on God and obedience to Him, prayer, and the wisdom of the Bible to
wage war on the devil. As believers, we need to be ready to resist the
relentless pestering and not succumb to him.
Seek Jesus and be prepared for the battle.