THE TEMPTER’S "IF”…

Matthew 4: 1-11

“If”— a small word, a conjunction, but an important one! Remove it and the sentence represents a simple, unique affirmative: “…You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:15)

The if of Satan does not represent ignorance. Satan knows very well who Jesus is. He knows who Jesus is and shudders with terror. He is an opportunist. Reminding Jesus of his identity, he tries to tempt him to use his divine power and to assert his identity.

Satan’s if is not a sign of doubt. He never doubts Jesus’ real identity. He knows not only Jesus’ identity, but also his divine power. He says in effect, “I know who you are, therefore, use your divine power. It is not right to starve in the wilderness!”

Today, Satan uses the same tactics. His target is the believer, not his or her faith. “I know you believe God", he says, "but…don’t you think it is your right to test God’s faithfulness?” Why do bad things happen to you? Why do you suffer if God is faithful? Why does he not answer all your prayers? Why does He not reward you for your loyalty? Why does God not destroy evil if He is almighty?

Why doesn't God empower you to succeed in every attempt against your daily inconveniences and negative circumstances? If God knows your weakness, why does not He empower you with necessary means of confrontation to combat evil? The devil knows that he is a defeated enemy, but a lascivious and shameless tempter nevertheless.

Every time he assaults a believer with his “if…,” he confronts Jesus Christ the risen Savior, and … he shudders!

Hovh. N. Karjian