The Most Tempting Times

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. -Matthew 4:1 (NIV)

Whenever you read about the wilderness in scripture, it's usually not just a geographical reality; it's also a spiritual reality. And one of the things that I've learned over the years is that, for me, the temptations to do things that are not pleasing to God always seem more prevalent when I am in a wilderness, when my spiritual life has plateaued or is dormant. When I am daily immersed in the word of God and surrounded by the faithful people of God, it's been my experience that I am usually less tempted.

In our scripture today, Jesus is in the wilderness. And it's there (as opposed to being in the temple when he's immersed in scripture and surrounded by spiritual friends) that the devil comes and tempts him. Thankfully, Jesus has at sometime previously immersed himself in God's word and is able to use scripture to resist the devil's temptations. Hopefully when our wilderness comes and we're tempted by the evil one, we will be able to do the same.

Someone reading this today may be in the wilderness. The temptation to do that which does not please God may be stronger now than it's ever been. May God grant you the grace to draw from your past knowledge of scripture to get you through this time of temptation. But may God also grant you the grace to realize the importance of immersing yourself in God's word now and of the importance to seek out and surround yourself with other faithful followers of Jesus. It just may make your temptations less appealing.  



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This weekend's suggested readings:
Saturday: Matthew 5
Sunday: Matthew 6
Monday: Matthew 7

If you're new to this site, I try to write daily devotionals each Monday-Friday. I hope you'll worship at a church of your choice on Sunday and that you'll return here for another devotional on Monday.