The Men of Iron Minute
by Chad Zueck | Director of Content Creation
Springs and Sponges
A spring-fed brook winds through the plush rhododendrons and dense hardwoods as the noonday sun unrelentingly bakes the earth. The creek invites hikers to bask in the cool respite. From several yards away, the soothing sound of the water is an open house for nature lovers galore. The stream lies between two cliffs. The jagged cliffs have been battered by wind and rain. The trail dances parallel to the stream with occasional water crossings. Life around the water flourishes every season, and life away from the stream suffers from drought.
Human life reflects this truth also.
Wise men soak in the Word of God for comfort, deliverance, and guidance. Like a sponge, godly men bask in God’s Word so that they still flourish if squeezed by circumstance and providence. Those close to the Living Water flourish in every season, and those who distance themselves flounder.
As you read this passage, notice how Jesus knows the Word of God and uses it to combat the lies of Satan.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Deuteronomy 8:3)
Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’ ” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” (Deuteronomy 6:16)
Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.“I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” (Deuteronomy 6:13)
Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. Matthew 4:1-11, NLT[1]
How does a man thwart the enemy’s onslaught of lies and confusion?
Draw from the Word of God and stay close to the Living Water (Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:10-14)
Do something.
Dare greatly.
Be a better man.
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[1] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 4:1–11.