by Commissioner John Matear, Territorial Commander
HOW are we to be an effective Salvation Army in today’s rapidly changing world? I hope that such a question is not asked just by me but by every officer, cadet, soldier, adherent member, recruit and employee. The question is most effectively answered honestly – free from any arrogance, subjectivity, individualism or negativity. It is a question that I ask myself daily.
We must serve the present age. I value the past; indeed I have more past behind me than future before me! It is important for us to understand our past, its significance, influence and lasting value and to be secure enough to explore our strengths and weaknesses.
It is arrogant to think that all is certain and defined and not to be critiqued. If we have a faith worth sharing and are a church worth joining we have to stand up to probing, otherwise we will lose effectiveness.
We must learn from our past and build on our past to become a cutting-edge Army that holds out the message of Jesus – a message of salvation that is worth dying for.
To be an effective Salvation Army we must have the Spirit of Jesus and be able to see today’s world through his eyes. We are, for the most part, very ordinary people but we have met with Jesus who has entrusted us with the commission to go to the world and take the gospel to all people.
We must also be a holy people. It is important to understand why we are a ‘salvation’ Army for it will impact on our preaching and teaching – we must ensure the message of Jesus is central. It will impact our work and witness – this is the gospel that is personal, embodied and contextual. We have to be assured of the salvation that we have in Jesus and be secure to share that with others. We fail if we merely present a moral framework.
As disciples of Jesus Christ we have to be witnesses to his death and resurrection and we do this by loving and reconciling individuals and communities. The love of Jesus is always effective and always contemporary – this is central to our effectiveness and relevance.
So much of the framework for this age is completely opposite to what we would describe as our core beliefs. We need to be a Salvation Army that is biblically literate and theologically confident. We cannot be absorbed by internal issues; we have to be an outward-looking people who can articulate what Jesus means for today and how our faith is relevant.
Our theology matters. Never believe that The Salvation Army doesn’t ‘do doctrine’ or see it as an anachronistic irrelevance. This can never be the case. I strongly believe we have to ensure we are all better equipped to know what we believe and how to apply it where we are – relevant to our own experience and the experience of others. We must apply ourselves to this in the production of our discipleship material, but it is not just for the ‘professionals’ or for the dedicated and keen – it is for every one of us. It is not enough to provide resources or rack up presentations and roadshows, or pray for revival. We must work to live the mission and enable the conversations that explore questions and doubts. Often I speak of ‘possibility thinking’ and I have the deepest ambition to make God and faith possible for those of no faith or little faith.
I believe that there are great possibilities and potential in sharing and telling our story – our personal faith journey and our corporate faith journey. As we speak and listen we must be able to think through what it means for us to be Christians in The Salvation Army in 2011. In character and behaviour we must be a holy people marked by compassion for all – inclusive, committed to good works and social justice and concerned with the values of God’s Kingdom and his divine justice.
It is our privilege and responsibility to rise to the challenges of this age. Nothing is static, yet what is anchored in our soul is the grace of Jesus, unshakeable in a dark, stark, failing and fallible world. The message that ‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16 NIV) is the unchanging message that can change and direct lives today.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Announcements
1. Adult Cells Group
Date: 1 April 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Come to learn Bible knowledge and intercede for others.
2. Flag Day
Thank you to those who help in our flag day collection, counting and etc.
May our good Lord bless you.
3. Helping Hand
Date: 6 April 2011 Time: 8:00am Venue: Air Itam Dam.
Walkathon fund raising to help settlement villages in Papa New Guinea
with Clean Water, Food and Education.
4. Youth & Women's Camp
Date: 1 ~ 4 June 2011 Venue: Eagle Ranch, Port Dickson
Youth please contact Capt. Tan and ladies please contact Capt Brenda for more information. Please take note of the closing date as limited seats are available.
5. Good Friday Service
Date: 22 April 2011 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Jesus said: "Do this in remembrance of me!"
Date: 1 April 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Come to learn Bible knowledge and intercede for others.
2. Flag Day
Thank you to those who help in our flag day collection, counting and etc.
May our good Lord bless you.
3. Helping Hand
Date: 6 April 2011 Time: 8:00am Venue: Air Itam Dam.
Walkathon fund raising to help settlement villages in Papa New Guinea
with Clean Water, Food and Education.
4. Youth & Women's Camp
Date: 1 ~ 4 June 2011 Venue: Eagle Ranch, Port Dickson
Youth please contact Capt. Tan and ladies please contact Capt Brenda for more information. Please take note of the closing date as limited seats are available.
5. Good Friday Service
Date: 22 April 2011 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Jesus said: "Do this in remembrance of me!"
Prayer Request
1. Please pray for General Gowans (R) undergo surgery for a broken hip bone and Brother Chew Pong Hoe (Ah Boy)
2. Pray Sunny's family that will be traveling to India.
3. Remember the disaster victims in Myanmar, Japan and Christ Church.
4. Pray for Corps Children's Day Camp, Territorial Youth & Women Camp.
2. Pray Sunny's family that will be traveling to India.
3. Remember the disaster victims in Myanmar, Japan and Christ Church.
4. Pray for Corps Children's Day Camp, Territorial Youth & Women Camp.
Friday, March 25, 2011
FAREWELL
PASTORAL LETTER TWENTY-FOUR
FAREWELL
Dear Fellow Salvationists,
Greetings in the strong and sacred name of Jesus Christ!
You will understand me when I say that I write this final and farewell Pastoral Letter with something of a heavy heart. It has been a very great privilege to be free to reach out to you all through these letters in recent years. Many of you have written to me from time to time to express encouragement and appreciation for these simple but heartfelt communications. I have valued deeply your responses.
I want to record my profound sense of holy pride arising from the manner in which my fellow Salvationists remain loyal to the Lord Jesus Christ and faithful to the sacred calling he has placed upon us to grow the Kingdom, to witness, and to serve in his name. By the grace of God we are doing this now in 123 countries. I salute and thank you each one. So too does Commissioner Helen Clifton, who continues to be in need of your prayers.
How gracious God has been in these five demanding years in which he has called me to serve as the General. He has helped and guided unfailingly and in keeping with the holy promises we find in the Scriptures. I know that he will also bless and guard the General-Elect, Commissioner Linda Bond, as she succeeds me. Thank you for your prayers for her at this time.
Let me turn now to the Scriptures.
In the Acts of the Apostles in Chapter 20 we read of the Apostle Paul bidding farewell to the Christian believers in the city of Ephesus. In verse 20 he tells them, 'You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you.' I want to adopt this verse for my own use in this farewell letter. I thank God for the wonderful privilege of being called to preach as an officer of The Salvation Army.
In verse 22 Paul says to them, 'Now I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.' Let me also take this verse for myself. My 'Jerusalem' is in fact my retirement, for I do not know what will happen to me there! In many ways the future appears very uncertain. However, like Paul, we step into the unknown without fear because we know God is there too. He never fails.
Finally, in verse 32 Paul says to his hearers, 'Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among those who are sanctified.' I take these words and offer them to you all on this occasion. I commit you to God. I commit you to God's word of grace and to the One who is the Word, the full incarnate expression of the Godhead, the Lord Jesus Christ. I commit you to the One who alone can sanctify you. You and I are called to be pure for God, to be sacred vessels for him, sanctified and made holy by his blood poured out so freely at Calvary. The One who calls you can do it. He is able.
Thank you again for being my fellow Salvationists and my comrades. Thank you for your trust in Almighty God. Thank you for your holy obedience to Christ. Thank you for the sacred service that you give unstintingly for his cause.
Commissioner Helen and I will not cease to lift you up in prayer. We are bound together with you each one in our shared and sacred callings to witness and to serve in God's great Army of Salvation.
Hallelujah! God bless you all!
Yours in Christ,
Shaw Clifton
General
FAREWELL
Dear Fellow Salvationists,
Greetings in the strong and sacred name of Jesus Christ!
You will understand me when I say that I write this final and farewell Pastoral Letter with something of a heavy heart. It has been a very great privilege to be free to reach out to you all through these letters in recent years. Many of you have written to me from time to time to express encouragement and appreciation for these simple but heartfelt communications. I have valued deeply your responses.
I want to record my profound sense of holy pride arising from the manner in which my fellow Salvationists remain loyal to the Lord Jesus Christ and faithful to the sacred calling he has placed upon us to grow the Kingdom, to witness, and to serve in his name. By the grace of God we are doing this now in 123 countries. I salute and thank you each one. So too does Commissioner Helen Clifton, who continues to be in need of your prayers.
How gracious God has been in these five demanding years in which he has called me to serve as the General. He has helped and guided unfailingly and in keeping with the holy promises we find in the Scriptures. I know that he will also bless and guard the General-Elect, Commissioner Linda Bond, as she succeeds me. Thank you for your prayers for her at this time.
Let me turn now to the Scriptures.
In the Acts of the Apostles in Chapter 20 we read of the Apostle Paul bidding farewell to the Christian believers in the city of Ephesus. In verse 20 he tells them, 'You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you.' I want to adopt this verse for my own use in this farewell letter. I thank God for the wonderful privilege of being called to preach as an officer of The Salvation Army.
In verse 22 Paul says to them, 'Now I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.' Let me also take this verse for myself. My 'Jerusalem' is in fact my retirement, for I do not know what will happen to me there! In many ways the future appears very uncertain. However, like Paul, we step into the unknown without fear because we know God is there too. He never fails.
Finally, in verse 32 Paul says to his hearers, 'Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among those who are sanctified.' I take these words and offer them to you all on this occasion. I commit you to God. I commit you to God's word of grace and to the One who is the Word, the full incarnate expression of the Godhead, the Lord Jesus Christ. I commit you to the One who alone can sanctify you. You and I are called to be pure for God, to be sacred vessels for him, sanctified and made holy by his blood poured out so freely at Calvary. The One who calls you can do it. He is able.
Thank you again for being my fellow Salvationists and my comrades. Thank you for your trust in Almighty God. Thank you for your holy obedience to Christ. Thank you for the sacred service that you give unstintingly for his cause.
Commissioner Helen and I will not cease to lift you up in prayer. We are bound together with you each one in our shared and sacred callings to witness and to serve in God's great Army of Salvation.
Hallelujah! God bless you all!
Yours in Christ,
Shaw Clifton
General
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Certainties
Captain Catherine Smith looks at how to cope with change and challenge
STUDY PASSAGE HEBREWS CHAPTER 11
‘IN this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes,’ wrote Benjamin Franklin. How gloomy! As Christians who live in a constantly changing world, we can celebrate a greater conviction. Hebrews chapter 11 gives us a team of people to demonstrate how to face change and challenge through faith.
Abel (v4) discerned a right way even before direction was given. His testimony lives on today.
Enoch (vv5 and 6) pleased God by looking for and walking well with him, even in a terrible society.
We find faith as we seek Jesus. We see such conviction expressed by King David when he says to his son: ‘And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind… If you seek him, he will be found by you’ (1 Chronicles 28:9 all quotations from New International Version).
Noah (v7) acted in ‘holy fear’ and was prepared, in spite of those who mocked him.
Abraham obeyed (vv8–12; 17–19). He went to an unknown earthly destination inspired by his heavenly home. He trusted God to make the impossible possible. He was willing to sacrifice his most precious gift because he knew God’s faithfulness.
Isaac, Jacob and Joseph (vv 20–22) prophesied to a future generation. We need to pass on God’s gifts to the next generation to demonstrate our commitment to God’s continuing plan.
Jacob (v21) worshipped God. As we position ourselves in his presence, we are assured by the one who is ‘the Beginning and the End’ (Revelation 22:13).
The parents of Moses (v23) took a great risk in the face of danger. ‘Perfect love drives out fear’ (1 John 4:18).
Moses (vv24–29) himself persevered through many uncertain challenges because he saw the invisible things of God as though they were visible. Asking God for a picture of his certain truths can give us the assurance we need to face uncertain days ahead.
A boy was listening to the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. ‘Hallelujah!’ he shouted. The teacher was irritated by the disturbance: ‘What is it?’
‘Wow!’ said the boy. ‘God is amazing. He pushed back the sea to let the people through.’
‘Don’t be silly,’ said the teacher. ‘All that can be explained by science. The water was much more like a puddle than an ocean.’ The teacher continued telling how the Egyptians were swallowed up as they pursued the Israelites. Again, the boy shouted out, ‘Hallelujah!’
‘What is it now?’ asked the exasperated teacher. ‘Praise God! He managed to swallow up a whole army in a puddle!’
Our certainty comes from our perspective and confidence in the living God.
Rahab (v31) is mentioned for her obedience. Most only knew her as a pagan prostitute. God is not discriminative in who he uses. In this team, there are men and women of every background. Rahab was not trusted by anyone, and without doubt found it hard to trust others. But she discovered that she could trust God’s certain leadings.
Can we say we have trust, hope, confidence, belief and certainty when redundancy is threatened and finances are challenged; when our children are mixing with unhelpful influences; when people doubt us and disgrace us? Can we keep going when the pain feels too much and the anxiety is overbearing?
Our team of witnesses encourage us to say we can be certain, and picture Jesus who ‘is the same yesterday and today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8).
As we face change and uncertainty in our communities, churches, families and workplaces, take direction from Hebrews 12:1–3: ‘Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’
When facing areas of uncertainty, take one or two of the characters mentioned in our study passage and, using the principles they learnt, pray and push on through your own circumstances.
Take hold of the promises of God which are ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen’ (2 Corinthians 1:20). And finally, look to Jesus himself.
STUDY PASSAGE HEBREWS CHAPTER 11
‘IN this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes,’ wrote Benjamin Franklin. How gloomy! As Christians who live in a constantly changing world, we can celebrate a greater conviction. Hebrews chapter 11 gives us a team of people to demonstrate how to face change and challenge through faith.
Abel (v4) discerned a right way even before direction was given. His testimony lives on today.
Enoch (vv5 and 6) pleased God by looking for and walking well with him, even in a terrible society.
We find faith as we seek Jesus. We see such conviction expressed by King David when he says to his son: ‘And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind… If you seek him, he will be found by you’ (1 Chronicles 28:9 all quotations from New International Version).
Noah (v7) acted in ‘holy fear’ and was prepared, in spite of those who mocked him.
Abraham obeyed (vv8–12; 17–19). He went to an unknown earthly destination inspired by his heavenly home. He trusted God to make the impossible possible. He was willing to sacrifice his most precious gift because he knew God’s faithfulness.
Isaac, Jacob and Joseph (vv 20–22) prophesied to a future generation. We need to pass on God’s gifts to the next generation to demonstrate our commitment to God’s continuing plan.
Jacob (v21) worshipped God. As we position ourselves in his presence, we are assured by the one who is ‘the Beginning and the End’ (Revelation 22:13).
The parents of Moses (v23) took a great risk in the face of danger. ‘Perfect love drives out fear’ (1 John 4:18).
Moses (vv24–29) himself persevered through many uncertain challenges because he saw the invisible things of God as though they were visible. Asking God for a picture of his certain truths can give us the assurance we need to face uncertain days ahead.
A boy was listening to the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. ‘Hallelujah!’ he shouted. The teacher was irritated by the disturbance: ‘What is it?’
‘Wow!’ said the boy. ‘God is amazing. He pushed back the sea to let the people through.’
‘Don’t be silly,’ said the teacher. ‘All that can be explained by science. The water was much more like a puddle than an ocean.’ The teacher continued telling how the Egyptians were swallowed up as they pursued the Israelites. Again, the boy shouted out, ‘Hallelujah!’
‘What is it now?’ asked the exasperated teacher. ‘Praise God! He managed to swallow up a whole army in a puddle!’
Our certainty comes from our perspective and confidence in the living God.
Rahab (v31) is mentioned for her obedience. Most only knew her as a pagan prostitute. God is not discriminative in who he uses. In this team, there are men and women of every background. Rahab was not trusted by anyone, and without doubt found it hard to trust others. But she discovered that she could trust God’s certain leadings.
Can we say we have trust, hope, confidence, belief and certainty when redundancy is threatened and finances are challenged; when our children are mixing with unhelpful influences; when people doubt us and disgrace us? Can we keep going when the pain feels too much and the anxiety is overbearing?
Our team of witnesses encourage us to say we can be certain, and picture Jesus who ‘is the same yesterday and today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8).
As we face change and uncertainty in our communities, churches, families and workplaces, take direction from Hebrews 12:1–3: ‘Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’
When facing areas of uncertainty, take one or two of the characters mentioned in our study passage and, using the principles they learnt, pray and push on through your own circumstances.
Take hold of the promises of God which are ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen’ (2 Corinthians 1:20). And finally, look to Jesus himself.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Announcements
1. Prayer Ministry
Date: 25 Mar 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Fred & Alice Home
Please come and intercede for others and our Church.
2. Flag Day
Date: 26 Mar 2011 (Saturday), street collection, need your full support
3. Youth Fellowship
Date: 27 Mar 2011. Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall. All youth please are welcome.
4. Good Friday Service
Date: 22 Apr 2011. Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall.
Jesus said: "Do this in remembrance of me!"
Date: 25 Mar 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Fred & Alice Home
Please come and intercede for others and our Church.
2. Flag Day
Date: 26 Mar 2011 (Saturday), street collection, need your full support
3. Youth Fellowship
Date: 27 Mar 2011. Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall. All youth please are welcome.
4. Good Friday Service
Date: 22 Apr 2011. Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall.
Jesus said: "Do this in remembrance of me!"
Prayer Request
1. Pray for General Gowans (R) undergo surgery for a broken hip bone.
2. Pray for Japan and Christ Church on earthquake victim and restoration effort.
3. Pray for Brother Chew Pong Hoe (Ah Boy) for his health.
3. Pray for Sarawak Election.
4. Pray for Flag Day, Volunteers and Collection
2. Pray for Japan and Christ Church on earthquake victim and restoration effort.
3. Pray for Brother Chew Pong Hoe (Ah Boy) for his health.
3. Pray for Sarawak Election.
4. Pray for Flag Day, Volunteers and Collection
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Winning the World
Colonel David Guy concludes his four-part series on The Temptations Of Jesus
AS a boy I learnt the old directory passage that asked, ‘Is it honourable to fight as a Salvation Army soldier?’, and also the answer, ‘It is highly honourable to fight as a Salvation Army soldier because The Salvation Army is at war with the world, the flesh and the Devil.’
Had the writers of that last phrase taken note of the order of our Lord’s temptations in Matthew 4:1–11 they might have said ‘the flesh, the world and the Devil’. In those verses we have first the temptation to turn stones into bread and satisfy the legitimate need of the body in an illegitimate way; then the temptation to impress and dazzle and win applause; and thirdly, the temptation in which the Devil demands first place as the price of success.
Luke alters the order by placing the offer of the kingdoms of the world second and the suggestion about jumping off the Temple pinnacle last (4:1–13). Some scholars argue that Luke’s order is the more logical; it is after a man or woman has gained top place that they are tempted to ‘shine’. Others point out that human beings are tempted to show off so that they have a better chance to gain top place.
I love Luke’s Gospel, but in these reflections I follow Matthew’s order – partly because it seems to me that the offer of the kingdoms of the world represents a natural climax to these temptations, and partly because in this ultimate test Satan throws off all disguise.
When suggesting that stones be turned into bread, the Devil poses as the voice of friendly concern. When Jesus counters this by quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3, Satan frames the second temptation in a specious framework of apparent piety. Paul declares that Satan ‘masquerades as an angel of light’ (2 Corinthians 11:14 all quotations from New International Version) by quoting Scripture to suit his own purpose.
But when Jesus quotes Scripture back (Matthew 4:7) Satan appears to throw away religion and make a direct onslaught, with no attempt to justify it from sacred writings. No longer trying to conceal his identity, the tempter talks directly about what ‘I will give you… if you will bow down and worship me’ (4:9). ‘Never mind the Lord your God,’ he seems to almost snarl, ‘I am the one you need to do business with. I can give you power to make the world a better place – for that is what you are dreaming of doing – because I am the one who really runs things in human society. Give first place to me and political power and military might will all be yours.’
This was, perhaps, the greatest temptation because it makes such an overwhelming appeal to human nature. Each temptation was linked with the mission of Jesus, to bring in the Kingdom of God on earth – and this third test was directed towards that very desire, to change the world for the better.
History is studded with examples of gifted men and women who – inspired at the start of their careers by high ideals and humanitarian concern – yielded to this very temptation. And they ended up corrupted or confused, abandoning their earlier ideals and principles. This has happened at top military and political levels, in municipal and business life and even in organised religion. It seems to work, but fails in the end.
You cannot bring in God’s Kingdom using the Devil’s methods. The way that Jesus followed – long, seeming to end in failure but concluding in resurrection – is, in reality, the only way.
Satan made a tactical mistake in throwing off his disguise. Jesus makes a suitably robust reply: ‘Away from me, Satan!’ (Matthew 4:10), and quotes again from Deuteronomy (see 6:13): ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’
And the Devil did as he was told! He cleared off – for a while (Luke 4:13). Having won that great initial victory, Jesus could begin the great saving work that only he could do.
What of you and me, who do not know God as intimately as his only begotten Son did? Can the command to worship and serve God mean anything to us?
I think it can, for in Jesus we see the Father that otherwise we might only doubt or fear (see John 14:9). This makes obedience to the command in Deuteronomy a glorious possibility.
• Colonel Guy worships at Bromley Corps in retirement
AS a boy I learnt the old directory passage that asked, ‘Is it honourable to fight as a Salvation Army soldier?’, and also the answer, ‘It is highly honourable to fight as a Salvation Army soldier because The Salvation Army is at war with the world, the flesh and the Devil.’
Had the writers of that last phrase taken note of the order of our Lord’s temptations in Matthew 4:1–11 they might have said ‘the flesh, the world and the Devil’. In those verses we have first the temptation to turn stones into bread and satisfy the legitimate need of the body in an illegitimate way; then the temptation to impress and dazzle and win applause; and thirdly, the temptation in which the Devil demands first place as the price of success.
Luke alters the order by placing the offer of the kingdoms of the world second and the suggestion about jumping off the Temple pinnacle last (4:1–13). Some scholars argue that Luke’s order is the more logical; it is after a man or woman has gained top place that they are tempted to ‘shine’. Others point out that human beings are tempted to show off so that they have a better chance to gain top place.
I love Luke’s Gospel, but in these reflections I follow Matthew’s order – partly because it seems to me that the offer of the kingdoms of the world represents a natural climax to these temptations, and partly because in this ultimate test Satan throws off all disguise.
When suggesting that stones be turned into bread, the Devil poses as the voice of friendly concern. When Jesus counters this by quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3, Satan frames the second temptation in a specious framework of apparent piety. Paul declares that Satan ‘masquerades as an angel of light’ (2 Corinthians 11:14 all quotations from New International Version) by quoting Scripture to suit his own purpose.
But when Jesus quotes Scripture back (Matthew 4:7) Satan appears to throw away religion and make a direct onslaught, with no attempt to justify it from sacred writings. No longer trying to conceal his identity, the tempter talks directly about what ‘I will give you… if you will bow down and worship me’ (4:9). ‘Never mind the Lord your God,’ he seems to almost snarl, ‘I am the one you need to do business with. I can give you power to make the world a better place – for that is what you are dreaming of doing – because I am the one who really runs things in human society. Give first place to me and political power and military might will all be yours.’
This was, perhaps, the greatest temptation because it makes such an overwhelming appeal to human nature. Each temptation was linked with the mission of Jesus, to bring in the Kingdom of God on earth – and this third test was directed towards that very desire, to change the world for the better.
History is studded with examples of gifted men and women who – inspired at the start of their careers by high ideals and humanitarian concern – yielded to this very temptation. And they ended up corrupted or confused, abandoning their earlier ideals and principles. This has happened at top military and political levels, in municipal and business life and even in organised religion. It seems to work, but fails in the end.
You cannot bring in God’s Kingdom using the Devil’s methods. The way that Jesus followed – long, seeming to end in failure but concluding in resurrection – is, in reality, the only way.
Satan made a tactical mistake in throwing off his disguise. Jesus makes a suitably robust reply: ‘Away from me, Satan!’ (Matthew 4:10), and quotes again from Deuteronomy (see 6:13): ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’
And the Devil did as he was told! He cleared off – for a while (Luke 4:13). Having won that great initial victory, Jesus could begin the great saving work that only he could do.
What of you and me, who do not know God as intimately as his only begotten Son did? Can the command to worship and serve God mean anything to us?
I think it can, for in Jesus we see the Father that otherwise we might only doubt or fear (see John 14:9). This makes obedience to the command in Deuteronomy a glorious possibility.
• Colonel Guy worships at Bromley Corps in retirement
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