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Wilderness Temptation
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people a constant supply of manna from heaven. This was to teach
them that while they trusted in God and walked in His ways He
would not forsake them. By the word of God succor had been given
to the Hebrew host, and by the same word it had been given to Jesus.
He awaited God’s time to bring relief. He would not obtain food
by following the suggestions of Satan. It is a less calamity to suffer
whatever may befall than to depart in any manner from the will of
God.
Often the follower of Christ is brought where it appears that
obedience to some plain requirement of God will cut off his means
of support. Satan would make him believe he must sacrifice his
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conscientious convictions. But the only thing on which we can rely
is the Word of God. See
Matthew 6:33
. When we learn the power
of His Word, we shall not follow the suggestions of Satan in order
to obtain food or save our lives. We shall obey God’s command and
trust His promise.
In the last great conflict with Satan those loyal to God will see
every earthly support cut off. Because they refuse to break His law,
they will be forbidden to buy or sell. See
Revelation 13:11-17
. But
to the obedient is given the promise, “He shall dwell on high: ...
his bread shall be given him; his water shall be sure.”
Isaiah 33:16
.
When the earth shall be wasted with famine, he shall be fed. See
Psalm 37:19
.
Intemperance Corrupts Morals
In all ages, temptations appealing to the physical nature have
been most effectual in corrupting mankind. Through intemperance,
Satan works to destroy the mental and moral powers. Thus it be-
comes impossible for men to appreciate things of eternal worth.
Through sensual indulgence Satan seeks to blot from the soul every
trace of likeness to God.
Christ declares that before His second coming the condition
of the world will be as in the days before the Flood, and as in
Sodom and Gomorrah. To us should come home the lesson of the
Saviour’s fast. Only by the inexpressible anguish Christ endured
can we estimate the evil of unrestrained indulgence. Our only hope