17th day of Lent

Yesterday, in Sanctuary Worship, we dealt with the tough issue of sin and temptation. Temptation is real. I notice that in the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus prayed, “Lead us not into temptation.” It is interesting that he did not pray, “Lead us not ‘unto’ temptation.” Perhaps that is because Jesus knew we were all going to have to face temptation. And when we do, we can become stronger as we allow God to help us resist it. It is a kind of strength that we don’t get unless we go through the experience. So in one sense of the word, to be tempted is good as it increases our spiritual muscle when we resist. That is an odd way of looking at temptation, but I can see how that could be true.

I need to do more muscle-resistance exercises. That is good for my body muscles. It keeps them toned and strong. Since temptation is inevitable, then it could be said that what evil desires as my downfall, God can use to make me stronger. But it all depends on whether I allow God to work in me or not. It is dangerous to think that I can fight temptation all alone. It seems to me that it is like playing with fire. And those who play with fire eventually get burned. I must understand that only as I allow God’s Spirit to work in and through me is it possible for evil’s intentions to become God’s blessings.

On the cross they cried to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, then throw yourself down from there.” That sounds all too familiar to the temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness. “If you are the son of God, throw yourself off the pinnacle of the temple. They will see you are not harmed and then all will know you are the Son of God.” The temptation of Jesus on the cross was to take a path of least resistance and play it evil’s way for his own personal satisfaction. Jesus chose to play it God’s way. What evil meant to use to destroy God’s only child, God used to give life to every child who would believe. Jesus was led “unto” temptation and stayed away from being led “into” temptation. And with the help of Jesus so can I. Lord, may it be so.