“LIFE IN THE WILDERNESS”
By: Rev. Dan Minor
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil”
Matthew 4:1
Some years ago I had the privilege of visiting the Holy Land. I recall that when we visited the ancient city of Jericho, we had lunch at a place called “Temptation Restaurant” so named because of its close proximity to the wilderness where our Lord’s faith was severely tested by Satan for forty days and forty nights.
Across the Jordan from Jericho are the mountains of Moab and the Mount of Temptation. The latter “high mountain” is the one from which Satan showed Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them” (Matthew 4:8).
Jesus was tempted (1) to turn stones into bread (2) to leap from the highest point of the temple and (3) to bow down before Satan. All of these were attempts to destroy God’s plan for His life at the very beginning of His ministry on earth.
The good news is that Jesus emerged from the wilderness victorious over the Evil one and ready to fulfill God’s plan for the redemption of the world.
Temptation itself is not a sin but can become sin if we yield to it. Temptation is like dust it settles everywhere. How, then, can we deal with temptation? Short answer: The same way as Jesus.
1. QUOTE SCRIPTURE.
Jesus was tempted three times and with each temptation came His reply “It is written.” There is power in quoting God’s Word. In Hebrews 4:12 we read, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…”
2. KNOW THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY OUT.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (I Corinthians 10:13).
3. PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD.
“Put on the whole armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11).
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
Good news! There is life in the wilderness as long as we remember we are not alone.
Prayer
Dear Lord, You are our strength. In Your strong name. Amen.
