Matthew 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
This passage of scripture reveals to us one of the more common temptations that occurs everyday, without most people being able to identify it for what it really is. The temptation to "Jump" takes place whenever we take unnecessary risks with the expectation of presuming upon the the mercies of God for deliverance. It also occurs when we deliberately put ourselves in harm's way without being bidden by God do do so, then expecting Him to engage His omnipotent power to save us from destruction. In all that we do, we should never harbor any unrealistic expectations from God, for His promises to the faithful are not meant to cover the sin of presumption.
In our passage for today, the devil challenged Christ to take His life in His own hands, by jumping off the pinnacle of the temple, with the hope that God will deliver. But Jesus refused to go that route, for then He would be setting us the wrong example, and would thereby be encouraging us to put ourselves in harm's way, thus trying to force God to rescue us from folly. If there is known risk or imminent danger in following a certain course of action, our motto should be "Cease and desist", if God did not send us. Suicide by jumping off a bridge, or by bungee chord jumping, is still suicide, for in both cases, a known, unnecessary risk is engaged in by the persons in question.
A few weeks ago two wing-suited jumpers died in Yosemite park in California, after attempting to pull off a stunt that was very similar to the temptation to "Jump". What is worthy of note is that in covering the fatal incident, some people stated that their "Thoughts and prayers" were with those who thus died, causing us to wonder what kind of "Prayers" are being offered in such situations. Just this past week another person succumbed to the temptation to "Jump" when a young lady was mauled by a Lion in one of the free-roaming parks in Africa. In defiance of the warnings posted, the vehicle was being driven with the windows down and unlocked, so that the lion, which is no respecter of persons, was able to tear the young lady to pieces.
The question is, could death have been avoided in both instances, and the more important question is, will these persons be saved in God's kingdom? The answers to both questions are yes and no respectively, because death could have absolutely been avoided if the unnecessary risks were not taken, and "No", they will not be saved in God's kingdom, because they were guilty of committing suicide, meaning that they took their own lives, which only God can give. By a wrong course of action we can die prematurely, and if it was a deliberate and intentional act, where we knew of the possible deadly outcome, then we will have to answer to God for the life that was lent us. Let's read:
Ecclesiastes 7:16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ? 17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
In our day, and in our own experiences, the temptation to "Jump" comes in more subtle ways, for there are times when we may take on enormous debt, hoping that someway, somehow, God will deliver us from the repossessor. Then if He doesn't ,we are again severely tempted by satan to murmur and complain against God, when He does not prevent that which He never ordained. If a person has a salary of $800.00 dollars every two weeks, and he or she takes on a car payment for twelve hundred dollars a month, with rent and groceries and electric bills and tithes and offerings swallowing the rest of the paycheck, then that person is indeed guilty of "Jumping" and in such cases, God is not to be expected to reverse any adverse circumstances which may accrue as a result of poor judgment, or presumptuous actions.
God is very practical in the instructions He gives us, and it is His will that sound judgment and discretion shall characterize our every move. Furthermore, He has given no such promise of deliverance to those who deliberately put themselves at great risk, without His prior approval and authorization. Let us therefore exercise good prudence in all the ways of God's choosing, and whenever we are tempted to "Jump" let's repeat the very same words of Christ, "Get thee behind me satan".
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages to be wise in our actions and decision-making processes, and if we seek The Lord for His guidance and direction, He will direct us only in right paths. Let's read:
Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!