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Rocks for Bread Rocks for Bread -- our February devotionThe first Sunday in Lent begins with the 'Temptation of Jesus' story told in Luke's Gospel, in chapter 4. You can find this same story -- with some small variation -- in other gospels of the Bible too. Jesus had been baptized and now goes to the dessert to meditate -- He is 'full of the Holy Spirit' and seems to be discerning his Calling as God's Messiah, prophet, servant ... Jesus' later ministry shows us how diverse his Calling was. While Jesus was there, the devil came to tempt him. It seems the devil didn't care a 'toot' for Jesus despite his smooth talk. He was tryiing insult and humiliate God and toss God from His 'throne'. How better -- than to do it through God's Son who, in earthly terms, was 'inexperienced'. Whereas, according to the Bible, evil opposed God since mankind evolved -- The temptations began with both a worldly appeal -- and a challenge to God: The devil asked Jesus to show his power by turning a stone into bread -- after all: 'you must be hungry!' After all: 'if you are divine -- you must be able to do that simple miracle!' The devil was rebuked by Jesus with the Word of God from Scripture. The devil tried again: 'Look here, worship me and I'll give you all the kingdoms of the world --they are mine to give you!' Again, God's Word met him in his arrogance & in response to his lie! When did he become Lord of all? This bond between Father and Son was tougher to crack than he had thought! This Son wasn't as ambitious as the 'sons of men'. Again the devil tried: 'Jump from the top of the Temple roof; down, down into the valley below! God will save you! Show me how the Father loves the Son -- I want to see --if you really are the Son of God!? Hasn't God your Father gone on record that he'll save anyone who needs help?' [--remember psalm 121] It may appear, according to this account, that the temptation was over. But look at verse 13. The devil will come back -- How does he come? Another way of translating the concept of 'temptation' is 'to entice someone'; to offer them something you know they want very much. The devil seemed not to understand that what Jesus wanted was the love for His Father which humanity has lost. -- Nothing else seemed to be enticing to Jesus either as a man or as God's son. Do we have our relationships and our priorities as clearly and firmly established? In times past people gave up things for Lent -- these were often things dear to their heart, to express that their faith & love for God was more dear to them. Another thing to give up might be what we know interferes with our faith and relationship with God and loved ones. Take a moment these days & take an inner inventory. Look also at your daily schedule. Look at how you feel about what you are required to do daily. Be honest. Is there room to 'let go'? Are you enticed or tricked into being or doing what you know is wrong or not honest ... ? Look at God's Word -- can you find any help there? Try praying. God stands by His Word -- but God doesn't give 'command performances'. What else might come to mind? Amen God is faithful.
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