The Lemon Tree

“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God..."

-Genesis 3:5

In the previous post, we examined Satan’s focused and highly effective strategy for obstructing and diminishing the ministry of the saints. We looked at how the crafty serpent plays upon on our selfishness, independence, autonomy, and egocentrism, making ourselves the center of the universe, and in doing so - our molehills turn into mountains... 

TRICK #2: The Issue of Trust – When our enemy, Satan, saw that Eve was willing to dialogue with him about the “forbidden fruit,” the Deceiver quickly realized she didn’t know God’s law - thus she didn’t know God’s heart.

Satan then took the “discussion” a huge leap down the road to rebellion: (paraphrase) “Lady, you look GORGEOUS by the way, It’s WAAAY CRAZY to think you could “literally” (air quote fingers) DIE from eating something our wonderful, good, and holy Creator made for us! So go on now! Go grab some of that delicious fruit and become what God always wanted for you!”

Satan did the same thing with Jesus. (paraphrase) “Jesus, we both know the Father is AWESOME (best singing voice), so let’s witness it right now for ourselves FIRST HAND! Why don’t YOU toss yourself off the top of the temple here and let’s watch His angels swoop in and rescue you!”

Again, Jesus didn’t debate or dialogue with Satan. Jesus simply rebuked the tempting deceiver with Scripture (Deut 6:16), “Don’t put the Lord God to the test.” Jesus wasn’t about to play the goofy “God, prove it to me!” game we all play at times. If you want God to show you evidence and PROOF of His love... just look to the Cross of Christ. God has nothing left to prove. It is finished, i.e. PAID IN FULL.

The Apostle Peter wrote “rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” The Apostle Paul wrote “I want to know Christ— yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…”

Participating in sufferings is not something we typically seek out or pray for, but it is something we SHOULD anticipate as genuine followers of Christ. We cannot resort to demanding God prove His love for us (again and again and again) in our oft self-imposed circumstances. God is more concerned with refining (sanctifying) our character (being transformed into the likeness of Christ) than delivering us from our temporary circumstances. In fact, God uses the afflictions of our circumstances to teach us faith, hope, and trust. He uses them to stretch, grow, and conform us into the image of Christ - loving obedient service in the context of Christian community.

Are you a “valley of death” Christian? Someone who prays fervently in crisis, fasts, goes to church, gets involves, and even... dare I say it... contributes, serves, and tithes in times of darkness and despair, only to readily dismisses God’s gracious provision the moment deliverance comes?

Who are you praising with trust on the mountaintop? Can you laugh at the trials and darkness coming (Prov 31:25)? I got it, you’re probably too busy with “reality” to fool around with Jesus when things are good. Back on the shelf He goes, along with the Gas-X tablets. Besides, the juicy fruit of life is calling. He’ll be there tomorrow. We can always just break Him out when it’s convenient for us... or can we?

Stop by tomorrow for the conclusion!

Blessings,

-Kevin M. Kelley

aMostUnlikelyDisciple.com