Jesus' victory over Satan in the wilderness
(Matthew 4) must be seen in the broader context of His work of
salvation. This was more than just a personal victory - a victory for
Jesus. It was a victory for us. Jesus won the victory for us. He walked
in the way of victory so that we might live in the power of His victory.
After Jesus had won the victory over Satan, He called His disciples to
Him - "Come, follow Me!" - and He sent them out from Him, empowered by
Him, to be witnesses for Him - "fishers
of men" (Matthew 4:19). His victory was more than a victory for His
first disciples. It was a victory for all would become believers through
their witness. This includes all of us, since each one of us has come
to faith in Christ through the testimony of His apostles. When Jesus
sent them out, He did more than send them. He showed them what they were
to do (Matthew 4:23-25).
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem”, the keynote of the service was joyful thanksgiving. They gathered together “to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:27). “On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy” (Nehemiah 12:43). They sang “songs of praise and thanksgiving to God” (Nehemiah 12:46). This joyful thanksgiving is only a foretaste of the greater joy and thanksgiving of heaven: “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In the city of God, “the glory of God” will be shining with everlasting brightness (Revelation 21:23). The Church of God will be “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The beautiful picture of the godly wife in Proverbs 31 gives us an outline of what God is seeking to do in His people. It is summarized in Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be
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