Is He Really For You?

More discussion on the Three Formative Beliefs of Sonship

As we navigate our spiritual journeys, it is not uncommon to face tests that push us to our limits, testing our resolve, trust, and faith in our Father. In the wilderness challenge, Yeshua was taken to an extraordinary location – the rooftop of Herod's Temple in Jerusalem – where His faith was put to the ultimate test.

The adversary questioned Yeshua's connection with the Father, asking him to jump off the building testing His resolve and faith to see if the Father would indeed care for and protect him.

This test was not just about Yeshua's physical safety but about the depth of his relationship with his Father. The adversary knew that by quoting a Psalm of David, he could provoke doubt in Yeshua's heart. But what does this verse from Psalm 91 really mean?

The adversary quotes Psalm 91:11-12 to Yeshua:

"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a rock."

However, the adversary takes this verse out of context, omitting the crucial words that follow. He only quotes part of the passage to make it seem like the Father will automatically keep Yeshua safe without any effort from his side.

But what does the full quote say? The rest of Psalm 91:11-12 reads:

"You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great bear."

And what about verse 13? Does it also promote a carefree attitude towards life?

"You will surely strike your foot against a snake or a viper, but nothing will harm you."

Wait – isn't this verse saying that we'll walk safely through life without any obstacles? Not exactly.

The Context of Psalm 91

Yes. this psalm is a song of protection and refuge written by King David. It speaks about God's care for His people, especially when they are in danger or facing trouble. But it also assumes a level of obedience and trust on the part of the believer. It's not just about passively receiving God's protection but actively trusting Him to be our refuge.

To understand the full context of Psalm 91, let us look at verses 14-16:

"Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; when he is in distress, I will be with him; I will deliver him and honor him."

Notice that the Father's protection and care come after the believer has called out to Him in trust? This passage assumes a relationship where we can approach Him confidently, knowing He is our rock of refuge.

The Root Issue at Massah

When we look back at Yeshua's response to the adversary's provocation, we notice that he quotes Deuteronomy 6:16:

"Do not put the Lord your God to the test."

But what happened at Massah? The context reveals a heart issue that is still relevant today. When Israel was traveling through the wilderness, they complained because there was no water to drink. Moses instructed them to strike the rock so that water would flow out for the people.

The name "Massah" means "testing" or "challenging." The people of Israel tested God's presence and power by asking:

"Is Yahweh among us or not?"

This question exposes a deeper issue – their fear of abandonment. They wondered if God was really with them, especially when things got tough.

Their lack of trust was rooted in their unbelief, rather than a lack of resources (water). Moses had seen enough of God's power to think otherwise, but the Israelites doubted His care and protection. This doubt stemmed from their fear that He might leave them or abandon them in their time of need.

But where the Israel failed to believe and trust the Father in the wilderness, the Son of God succeeded. Yeshua's response on the rooftop of Herod's Temple reminds us that true faith involves trust in God's care and protection. When faced with adversity, we often find ourselves questioning God's presence and power. But Yeshua shows us a different way – one of confident sonship.

As the Son of David, Yeshua knew his identity as a child of God. He understood that he was not just a creation of God but a beloved son, worthy of His love and protection. This confidence in his identity allowed him to stand firm against the adversary's provocation.

When we understand our true identity as children of God, we begin to see the world in a different light. We realize that we are no longer orphans but sons and daughters of the King. Our Father is not just a distant figure but an intimate companion who walks with us through every trial and tribulation.

A Son's Confidence in His Father's Presence

Yeshua's response also highlights importance of our trust in the Father's presence in our lives, and His immutable love towards us. When faced with adversity, we often wonder if He is really there for us or if He has abandoned us—find ourselves questioning His care and protection.

But our Elder Brother demonstrated for us that the Father's love is not just a distant emotion but a living reality. He knew that His Father loved him unconditionally and trusted that He was always there for him, even when he faces challenges and tests.

He had no doubt in the Father's presence. It was not just a spiritual phenomenon but a physical reality for Him. And it was this knowledge that gave him the confidence to stand firm against the adversary's provocation on the Temple.

When we understand our Father's presence in our lives, and we understand our relationship with the Father is built upon trust and love, we begin to see the world in a different light—as a safe place. We realize that He is not just a distant figure but an intimate companion who walks with us through every trial and tribulation.

As we navigate our spiritual journeys, we going to face tests and trials that push us to our limits. No doubt there. But what is at stake is not just our physical safety or emotional well-being but the depth of our relationship with our Father.

Learning to guard our hearts from the issue at Massah – a heart issue rooted in fear of abandonment and unbelief, we can respond like Yeshua as confident sons and daughters with an immutable faith rooted in trust in the Father's care and protection and His love for us.

As you face your own tests and trials, remember to stand firm in your trust, love, and confidence in your Father's presence. Look to Him with confidence, knowing He is your rock of refuge, your loving Father who walks with you through every trial and tribulation.

Until next time, continue to pursue the You He designed you to be.