Reading
SAA Notes
In the Arabah (desert), Jesus overcame the Devil’s testing. The Arabah is where Israel covenanted to be eternally faithful to the Lord – a covenant they were unable to keep even for a generation. This is where Israel camped before crossing to Jericho. He came to His own as David’s anointed heir!
SJA Notes
* Dear God, please open our ears to hear Your word to us today.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew shows us the practical outworking of Jesus being God’s word become flesh.
Satan tries to tempt Jesus, using scripture. Imagine that!
But God’s word is TRUTH.
Jesus shows us that although people might be able to use the Bible to twist and turn arguments, doubting God’s goodness, doubting His order and control, doubting that He is worthy of trust – Even with this, His word is alive and active and powerful to refute bad doctrine and evil temptation.
Jesus was the greatest of preachers.
And it is healthy and wise for us to listen to His preaching.
It is the same message that His cousin, John the Baptist, preached.
Repent and believe!
* Father Above,
Thank You for calling us through Jesus.
Please mark us as people with repentance and belief in our hearts.
Please help us to preach Your message to those around us. Our livers living sacrifices, pointing in every part to Jesus.
Amen.