First Friday in Lent Devotion

Every Word                                                        First Friday in Lent - February 19, 2021

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

LSB 418 - O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days

(Verse 2 of this week’s hymn serves as inspiration for today’s devotion)

The world tries to deny the power and influence that the Devil has, but it is very real nevertheless.  The people of this world rule out anything that is outside or “bigger” than we humans.  To them, there is no God and so therefore there is no Devil either.

We know, however, that he is very real and that he has very real power and influence on the people of this world and even on us.  Satan is the one who first tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden – the event that ushered sin into what was a perfect world.  And throughout history, he and his fellow fallen angels have shown that they are indeed powerful.

The Lord reminds us in 1 John 4:4 that “the One who is in you is greater than he that is in the world.”  During the temptations in the Wilderness, Satan came and tried over and over again to defeat Jesus.  Each time, Jesus won.  In winning, He demonstrated how the Devil is defeated.  Against the Word of God, the Satan has no defense.  Matthew 4:4 (ESV) ⁴  But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

This same Jesus went to the cross and conquered sin, death, and the power of the Devil.  And so now we never face any evil alone.  Jesus is always with us, just as He promised.

Prayer 

Dear Lord, you conquered Satan in the wilderness by the power of your Almighty Word.  Help us to remain steadfast in your Word, and to remember your promise to be with us always, that we may be ever trusting in you and the Devil may have no power over us.  In Jesus Name,  Amen.

Rev. Matthew D. Roeglin – Blessed Savior Lutheran Church