Temptations

"After Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, he was starving. ³ The tempter came to him and said, “Since you are God’s Son, command these stones to become bread." (Mt 4:2-3)


I have mentioned this passage early in the fast.  I then focused on Jesus' resistance of the devil's temptation by quoting the law of Moses.   "We do no live on bread alone, but on every word out of the mouth of God."  Today however I am coming at this story from the perspective of the tempter.  I'd like to turn this soup into a steak.  I'd like to turn this broccoli into a fried tenderloin sandwich.

The Harry Potter films popularize magic.  With the wave of a wand or the chanting of a spell or the right potion one can move objects, change their shapes and and even cause another to become lovesick or worse.  It's a good thing God has not entrusted me with His powers of the powers of fantasy magic.  I would be selfishly enjoying making the world just the way I want it.

Ever see Bruce Almighty with Jim Carrey?  He had God's power and made a royal mess of the world.  Why?  Because He is only a mortal and doesn't have God's perspective nor His ageless wisdom.  He did  exactly what I would do, serve myself.  After I get me mine, then maybe I'll think of serving others.

Thank the Lord for salvation, for His example and His compassion given to us who trust in Him. Through Christ m selfish inclinations are redeemed.  I become aware of the world and its need for love, hope, faith and salvation.  I join God in His saving work through the church.  I share good news. I encourage.  I pray for the downhearted and broken.  I attend to the needs  of those whom God leads me to serve.

I am not bragging on me, but rather Christ within me!  It is He who has done anything good. Apart from Him I can do nothing.  With Him I can do all things....except turn this soup into steak or this broccoli into a fried tenderloin sandwich.  I can do all things within God's holy will with Christ strengthening me and within my creaturely limits.  I can't fly or breath under water except through technology, but God can make my heart less interested in savory meats and more interested in what He offers, freedom and life eternal.

Last night at our gathering of those keeping the Daniel Fast, one of our group pointed out that temptation comes when we are doing something good for God.  When we are on the right track and doing fruitful work for the Lord, that's when the devil comes knocking.  That's a neat thought.  I'm on the right track.  May I not be an easy pushover, but resolved in the way of holiness, purity and life.

Lord, You resisted the devil with scripture.  Help me to enjoy freedom from my cravings an selfish tendencies. Place Your word in my heart and my mouth that I make resist the temptations to serve myself and not Your holy plan for my fast and my life. Amen! Lord Jesus, Amen!