DEVOTION – DAY 525

Matthew 4:4 “The Word Of God”

Matthew 4:4 “Jesus answered, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

The background to this verse was that Jesus had fasted for forty days and he was hungry. Satan came along to tempt Jesus to turn some stones into bread. This prompted Jesus to reply in Matthew 4:4 that man must depend on God daily for their spiritual nourishment. This truth was emphasized in Deuteronomy 8:3 where God gave manna daily supernaturally, to feed the Israelites daily as they wandered in the wilderness. It was God’s way to teach His people to depend on Him for their spiritual nourishment daily. In the same way, Jesus relied on God, the Father and not by His own power for His daily needs. 

George Mueller spent much of his life living along the lines of this verse and praying to God for his every need. He would start every day spending time alone reading God’s Word, the Bible, and seeking God’s direction for him. He would submit to God daily all his needs for his ministry. He had started an expanding ministry in taking care of homeless children and orphans in Bristol, England in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Through his ministry, he had raised about 20,000 boys and girls giving them a solid Christian education. He had also been involved in missionary work taking the gospel to many countries. 

He was able to do all that because he remained grounded in the Word of God. He never sought financial assistance in his ministry work. Instead, he chose to submit all his financial needs to the Lord in prayer, praying often on his knees. His staff would do the same. God consistently answered his prayers. He would always receive sufficient funds, sometimes, at the last minute to cover his financial needs. He lacked nothing, proving that he was not living on bread alone but by every Word of God to sustain him and his many ministries. His approach inspired others like Hudson Taylor who also followed his devotion to God’s Word and total dependence upon God for all his provisions. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word that is indeed our daily spiritual bread. It is the light under our feet, our guide and daily nourishment. Please help us to trust in your Word, and not on worldly things and to stay close to you all the days of our lives. We pray in the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. Why do many people spend their lives focusing on material things like money, careers, food and clothing? Discuss.
  2. Why is it important for Christians to focus on God and His Word rather than worldly things? Discuss.
  3. How has God’s Word helped you as you faced challenges of various kinds? Share.
  4. How often do you spend time reading God’s Word daily or weekly?