In Matthew chapter 4, verses 5 – 7, Satan tempts Jesus to prove an Old Testament promise/prophecy: that God would send His angels to keep the Messiah from striking a toe against a stone. Of course, Satan, being the liar he is, exaggerated it. He wanted Jesus to jump off the temple to prove that the Father was truly protect Him. Jesus saw the idiocy of what Satan was proposing and got to the bottom of the issue. His response was “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ “ Jesus was saying, don’t test God to see if He will support you in your miss-application of His word. The prophesy had to do with God’s protection over the Messiah while He was here on earth carrying out His mission. It had nothing to do with foolishness.
It is a huge mistake to think that we can interpret God’s word however we wish and expect God to honor our view and actions. We are called to trust and obey, not have our own way. Jesus exemplified that throughout His ministry. His example is what we are called to follow. God expects us to trust and obey. Satan wants us to have our own way. God gives life. Satan leads to death.
Steve
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