Matthew 4:4 AMPC
[4] But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. [Deut. 8:3.]
The first time these words were said was as the children of Israel were about to enter into the promised land, as recorded in Deuteronomy. Moses took some time to lay down the law for the people, and he would know something about God's high standards, as he had disobeyed God and was told he would not be allowed to enter into the land of promise. With God, the standards do not bend for anyone. There is a covenant relationship that underpins the words above, as they are for people who understand the demands of God for the times that they are in. There are a lot of distractions and alternative options around us; there are many ways to get to a particular destination, but from God's own perspective, there is a right way to arrive. It does not matter how popular or widely-accepted am option is; as long as it is not the way God has approved, be sure it will end up in shame and disgrace.
The second time the verse above was quoted was when Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness. Just like the first time, there was a promised land that Jesus was trying to secure for us. The devil knew the value of the gift that had been promised and provided, and he would do anything to distract Jesus from the assignment. Thank God that Jesus knew what was at stake, as well as the dangers of the distractions that had been provided. The devil wrapped a true statement around the deception of pride, and wanted to take the eyes of Jesus away from that which is eternal, even for a moment. If the devil had succeeded, we would have no hope to look forward to. The response of Jesus shows that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity. It is critical that I know what is appropriate for every season that God brings me to.
There is a time to eat bread to get energy for the tasks that are assigned, but there is a level that physical bread will do no good. In the sample of prayer that Jesus taught His disciples, we ask God for daily bread, because the physical body needs it to keep all the organs working properly, but the same prayer also lays emphasis on the need to do the will of God on earth, just as it is done in heaven. Bread sustains physical life, but there is a bread that I must seek that will sustain both the physical and spiritual lives. That bread is the Word of God. As the world was made by the Word of God, there is no situation on earth that the word of God cannot address. Do not settle for the lies of the devil; make sure you receive a word from God for every situation or experience that may come your way. What is holding you up? What is holding your focus? The world or the Word? Whatever it is has eternal implications. God's time of favour is here.
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