August 13. Luke 4. Eric Lipton

Command of the Scriptures

Jesus was absolutely amazing in so many ways. He performed countless miracles, healed the sick and gave tirelessly and unconditionally to all in his path. But one of his attributes that I often overlook was his incredible knowledge and command of the scriptures.

In Luke 4:1-13, he is tempted by Satan in a very weakened state (tired and hungry from fasting for 40 days). And how does he handle Satan's attack? He launches a counterattack with the scriptures. On three separate occasions, he replies "The scriptures say..." and then quotes from Deuteronomy. On the third salvo, Satan actually uses a scripture from Psalms in a distorted fashion to try and trip him up. However, Jesus will not be misled. He knows the scriptures too well and in v 12 is able to thwart the sneak attack with "The scriptures also say, 'You must not test the Lord your God.'" Wow!! Mic drop! 

Throughout the rest of the chapter, Jesus goes around teaching and preaching in the streets and synagogues, all the while using scripture references to emphasize his point. 

I am truly convicted by this passage as it exposes how far I have to go in my quest to know God's word more thoroughly. It's obvious to me that the more scripture I have at my disposal, the better equipped I will be to handle Satan's attacks and handle life in a fallen world. It will also be equally useful to encourage, teach and disciple my brothers and sisters in Christ.

How is your command of the Scriptures? Let's call one another to take it higher in this area.