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Morning and Evening

February 20, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil." — Matthew 4:1 · KJV

A holy character does not ward off temptation — Jesus was tempted. When Satan tempts us, his sparks fall on tinder; but in Christ's case it was like striking sparks on water; yet the enemy kept up his evil work. Now, if the devil goes on striking when there is no result, how much more will he strike when he knows what inflammable stuff our hearts are made of! Though you become greatly sanctified by the Holy Spirit, expect that the great hound of hell will bark at you still. Among the haunts of men we expect to be tempted, but even seclusion will not guard us from the same trial. Jesus Christ was led away from human society into the wilderness, and there was tempted of the devil. Solitude has its charms and its benefits, and may be useful in checking the lust of the eye and the pride of life; but the devil will follow us into the loveliest retreat. Do not suppose it is only the worldly-minded who have dreadful thoughts and blasphemous temptations, for even the spiritually-minded endure the same; and in the holiest position we may suffer the darkest temptation. The utmost consecration of spirit will not insure you against satanic temptation. Christ was consecrated through and through; it was His meat and drink to do the will of Him who sent Him, and yet He was tempted. Your heart may glow with a seraph's flame of love to Jesus, and yet the devil will try to bring you down to Laodicean lukewarmness. Tell me when God permits a Christian to lay aside his armor, and I will tell you when Satan has left off tempting. Like the old knights in wartime, we must sleep with helmet and breastplate buckled on, for the arch-deceiver will seize our first unguarded hour to make us his prey. May the Lord keep us watchful in all seasons, and give us a final escape from the jaws of the lion and the paw of the bear.