Friday, May 4, 2012

Temptation


This is from one of my favorite books, He Shall Be Called Jesus, an Advent Devotional written for 2010. It looked at the life of Jesus through the Advent lenses of hope, peace, joy, and love. Today, this speaks to me, as I am also wandering in a mental wilderness, not sure of my direction. 

Shortly after Jesus was baptized, the Spirit led Him out to the wilderness. He was there for 40 days, wandering, fasting, and tempted by the devil. Knowing He was hungry, the devil told Jesus to turn stones into bread, but Jesus said, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” 

The devil continued, promising Jesus the kingdoms of the world if He would worship the devil. Jesus continued to quote scriptures to the devil. Finally, after 40 days, the devil gave up. Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit, ready to begin His ministry.

The devil knew Jesus was the Son of God and learned that Jesus’ faith was stronger than any temptation he had. Sometimes we feel as if we are wandering in the wilderness, overwhelmed with daily life and not sure where to go or what to do. We are easily tempted to give up as the devil makes us feel discouraged. Let Jesus be your  role model. Despite hardships, He did not give up and was not tempted to give in.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satin. For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Then the devil left Him, and the angels came and attended Him.
Matthew 4:1-2, 10-11

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