Satan’s wait’n.

There is something very interesting in the last line of Luke’s narrative of the Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13):

[13] And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

This is a powerful statement that demands further reflection.  Consider:

• Jesus has just thoroughly refuted each attack by Satan, by using Scripture.
• After thrashing Satan, Jesus commands the devil to “Begone, Satan” (Matt 4:13).
• And yet, in Luke 4;13 we read that Satan leaves, but waits for a more “opportune time.”
• The devil is bruised, but not yet completely beaten.  He will continue to fight against God’s Kingdom (Luke 11:17-22) and will aggressively seek to tempt Jesus in Gethsemane (Luke 22:3, 39-53).
• It is not until Jesus rises from the dead in triumph that Satan is completely beaten.

That being said, Satan continues to lurk in the shadows today, seeking to tempt men today.  Satan is relentless and vicious and will stop at nothing to seek to corrupt men.

Our only hope, which is a sure hope, is in the Triumph of Jesus Christ.   Give yourself to Him now, while you still may.

May the peace and love of Jesus Christ be with us all.