NOTE: For all of the Sunday’s of Lent I would like to suggest that we spend some time in prayer and reflection…like a mini-retreat. My hope is that it will help us dive deep into this season of grace and set a course for the week ahead…and our lifetime.
I don’t know about you, but every time I have read the temptation accounts, I have pictured a victorious Jesus emerging from the desert, having defeated the devil’s ploy of the senses, devotion and power, walking off getting ready for the proclamation of the Kingdom. Kinda like a John Wayne Jesus! Nevermore would he need to worry about the devil, evil, the pull of darkness and self-direction. Not so.
This was the first time I read the account from Luke and noticed the three words that end the passage. “When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.” The devil, evil and temptation would not take a holiday while the Savior set out to introduce the message of Salvation to a waiting humanity. Satan would be there too and would seek his chances and opportunities. He would wait for a time.
Interestingly enough, I take some comfort knowing that Jesus was faced with temptation. Even though he never secums to sin, He knows what it is like to live in this world. Jesus knows what it’s like to be distracted…to have the pull toward self-interest…to want to throw in the towel and even walk away. But what made all the difference for Jesus is in His focus.
While sin attempts to distract, pull and frustrate, Jesus consistently recalibrates His glance. He focuses on the Father. Jesus’ reply to Satan’s temptations show His intimate connection with His loving Abba. “One does not live on bread alone.” and “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.” and “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” What is the lesson for us? The Body…not as important as the eternal relationship! The opinion of others not as important as devotion to God! And finally faithfulness over the emptiness of selfishness. Every time, Jesus looks to the Father.
Where do we look? Lent reminds to be like Jesus, to look to our Father. Our heavenly Father loves us completely, eternally and particularly. He calls us to abundance in Him. Today, let us really take some time and reflect on two things: Temptation and Eternity. One is earth bound and fleeting. The other never-ending. Let’s be like Jesus and look to the Father…not for a time, but forever!
Suggested Scriptures: Luke 4: 1 – 13, Psalm 42, Psalm 71, Psalm 139