Beat It Satan

Matt 4:10 "Beat it satan" (Msg version)

Obeservation:
There is so much in these verses.  My mind can hardly take it all in.  I have often wondered why Jesus 'allowed' the Devil to test him.  The bible records in Matt 3:1 - 4:11, that Jesus prepared himself for it through 40 days and nights of fasting and prayer.  (As I wrote that I just had a thought, can I get through 40 days of fasting?  I could hardly make it through 21 days of a partial fast.  It was tough, but the results were so worth it.  Hmmm, it is something to think about for sure.)

After such a fast, Jesus was weak, as you can well imagine.  That was when the devil chose to strike. Sounds familiar? He preyed immediately upon His weakness.  He said to Him, turn these stones into bread.  Jesus refused.

Jesus was hungry, but he did not bow.  He did not value the temporal satisfaction of a meal more than the fulfillment of his Father's purpose for him.  Interestingly enough, He was still in control.  The devil was not the one in control even though it would have appeared that way initially.  For us to even assume that would be so wrong.  God is always in control, so much so that when he was finished with satan he told him "Beat it Satan!"  Satan had to flee.

Do you know that you and I have the same authority?  Yes, we do.  Should you resist the devil, he will flee.  Don't believe me?  Here is what James wrote, "Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7  Can you stand more truth? 

Ephesians 4:27 "...and do not give the devil a foothold."  1Peter 5:8-9 "Be self controlled and alert.  Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in your faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

This is the time to say out loud "Beat it Satan!"