Resisting temptation...
Right after Jesus is baptized and receives the Holy Spirit he is, "Led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil." Why? Why in the world would he, or anyone, put themselves in a place simply for the purpose of being tempted? Doesn't it say somewhere (1 Tim. 6:11) to flee from all evil and evil desires? Maybe looking at the temptations Jesus faces will shed some light on why he went to be tempted.
Temptation 1 - Attacking the Physical
After fasting for 40 days and nights, I can only imagine the hunger he must have felt. Food would be an obvious tactic for Satan to use - it worked on Eve, Jacob and Esau, and even Moses. But when you step back and think on a bigger scale; what greater physical need could one have than food and water? Today most of us never even have to think about what going without food would be like. Our physical temptations center around our sexual desires or our vanity, but how much greater would the temptation for food be? While we may not know personally, most of the world does.
Temptation 2 - Attacking the Emotional
"Throw yourself down..." At first glance and to a logical thinker, this is not that big of a temptation. It seems like an egotistical challenge - "Prove you are truly the Son of God!" - would probably seem to fit equally as well. But Satan is attacking a much deeper places and much stronger desires: love and security. For most of us, these are our two biggest areas of struggle and challenge. The desire to be loved and to know that we are loved (security) drives almost all of our actions. They are written on our hearts and cause us to seek out the Father more than anything else in us. So, when Satan tempts Christ with the "challenge," he is really pulling on the strings of his heart - "Will God really be there for you, does he really love and care for you?" Now how many of us have wrestled with that same temptation over and over in our lives? More on that after the third temptation...
Temptation 3 - Attacking the Mind and the Soul
Satan's final attempt is actually more of an egotistical challenge than the second temptation because the offer is power. He is offering "the world." Again, the temptation of power...or rather the illusion of power tends to be a common struggle for most of us. Whether it presents itself in monetary terms or in the titles we hold, power is another core struggle for most of God's creation. At the same time (as with the first two) Satan is leaning heavily on the spiritual aspect, only this time he verbalizes it, "...Worship me." He knows that the key to deterring Christ's purpose is to deviate his spiritual holiness. To separate Jesus from the Father would make him just like all the rest of us - Fallen.
Perhaps Satan is tempting Jesus with the same desires that did Satan himself in when chose to separate himself from God? But there is no doubt about it - Jesus faced the temptations we all struggle with. For a long time I have heard people (and possibly Scripture, although I don't know where) say that Jesus has faced every temptation we face and so he knows our struggles. Now I have read through the Gospels several times, and I have never read anything about Jesus fighting road rage, pornography, drug use, or many of the other things I know we face today. Yet when I read about the temptations he faced here, I see the same essential temptations - only at their core elements. Today we face much more decorated and disguised versions of the same essential questions. I can only speculate on which form would be harder to resist, but I see the resemblance and I can appreciate Jesus' ability to resist in places I know I have fallen.
Now rather than viewing this as discouraging and a challenge to be better (as I have heard and read it for most of my life); what a breath of fresh air to know that Christ himself would be tempted by the same things I am lured away by. Despite Paul's writing, "Christ himself did not think equality with God was something to be grasped..." we somehow tend to believe that we are called to be perfect. Yes, Jesus models for us how to resist temptation, but his presence alone signifies that he knows we will fail. "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?..." (Romans 6:1-2) But the realization that Satan attacks us with the same measures he used against the Son of God should 1. Give us confidence in knowing that we are great creations and 2. Alarm us to how serious the war for our souls is! Satan is not holding back. The fight is on and the gloves are off, but because of Jesus' conquering, "...sin shall not be [our] master, because [we] are not under law, but under grace."
Going back to the post that started all of this - isn't it great to know that we serve a God who is not only pulling for us and on our side, but made himself vulnerable and susceptible to the same struggles we face everyday. How could we not live with confidence and pride in his redeeming love and our place in his family! We are alive and Christ and "we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." (Romans 8:17) Share the power!!
Showing posts with label Matthew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matthew. Show all posts
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Matthew 2:13-3:17
Adding the extra touch...
Why did the prophets prophesy about such weird details? And why did God design it so that Jesus would have to fulfill all of these quirky legalities? As I read through these verses I cannot help but think that God could have done all of this much, much easier. He is the one who gave the Prophets the messages...which means he could have avoided all of the rigmarole by simply changing the prophesies. I mean, Jesus could have come from anywhere, been born in an actual inn, lived in a better city than Nazareth and still gone on to perform all the miracles, teach all the lessons, conquer death...and I would still believe he is the Christ. I would still recognize him as Savior and still pray in his name even if he didn't have a dysfunctional childhood. All these prophesies just seem a little like overkill - don't they?
Then I look in my living room and see the remains of Christmas and it starts to make a little more sense. Our tree has far more ornaments than necessary - heck, the tree isn't even necessary. The few presents still under the tree are wrapped all neatly in boxes, again, unnecessary. There are presents spread out all over the living room and in other parts of the house. Couldn't we have just given one gift to each person (in the bag it came in - or in a trough of hay), told each other, "Merry Christmas!" and been done with it? Is it essential I stuff my face like I have been the past several days? Of course not! But we do all these things just to make sure that those we love know it, and all the little extras just add confirmation that they get the message.
Another example:
We moved into this house and Erin went into labor with Charyse that night. She was born early the next morning, but had to stay in the hospital for 2 weeks because she was so early. During those two weeks I worked my butt off to make sure the house was unpacked, clean, and ready to go. I spent most of my time decorating her room. I cleaned the carpet, baseboards, fan blades, windowsills, and repainted the whole room - for sanitation purposes...? But of course it didn't stop there. I "had" to paint the room with two different colors - separated by a chair railing all the way around the room (of which every piece had to be cut at the perfect angel and painted just right). Again, none of this was necessary but it was a labor of love. She wasn't going to come home and be wowed by the job I had done in her room - she didn't even sleep in her room for months. She still has no idea what chair railing is. But when love abounds it finds extra special ways to present itself.
The greatest stories always have an abundance of subplots that cause us to more greatly appreciate the main point the author is trying to make. Why then would we expect any different from The Author who is writing the greatest story of all time. Why did God design it so that Jesus would have to fulfill all of these quirky legalities? Because he could. And because he wanted to emphasize his love for us - even if we never noticed it. (I feel quite confident this is not his only expression of love I have overlooked) The "legalities" and prophesies provide great evidence and proof that Jesus was who he claimed to be to the Israelites (Jews), and yet they are the ones who denied him...doesn't it make sense then that these things must have had a greater (and far simpler) purpose? God's love abounds to such extremes that it has to find extra special ways to present itself. What a shame we overlook most of them! Maybe he should wrap them up and tie a bow on top...wait a minute...
Your part: I am calling you to participate (if anyone is actually out there - other than my mom) by doing more than just reading. I want to hear about what ways God has gone "overboard" to express his love for you recently. You can share your story by posting comments below :)
Why did the prophets prophesy about such weird details? And why did God design it so that Jesus would have to fulfill all of these quirky legalities? As I read through these verses I cannot help but think that God could have done all of this much, much easier. He is the one who gave the Prophets the messages...which means he could have avoided all of the rigmarole by simply changing the prophesies. I mean, Jesus could have come from anywhere, been born in an actual inn, lived in a better city than Nazareth and still gone on to perform all the miracles, teach all the lessons, conquer death...and I would still believe he is the Christ. I would still recognize him as Savior and still pray in his name even if he didn't have a dysfunctional childhood. All these prophesies just seem a little like overkill - don't they?
Then I look in my living room and see the remains of Christmas and it starts to make a little more sense. Our tree has far more ornaments than necessary - heck, the tree isn't even necessary. The few presents still under the tree are wrapped all neatly in boxes, again, unnecessary. There are presents spread out all over the living room and in other parts of the house. Couldn't we have just given one gift to each person (in the bag it came in - or in a trough of hay), told each other, "Merry Christmas!" and been done with it? Is it essential I stuff my face like I have been the past several days? Of course not! But we do all these things just to make sure that those we love know it, and all the little extras just add confirmation that they get the message.
Another example:
We moved into this house and Erin went into labor with Charyse that night. She was born early the next morning, but had to stay in the hospital for 2 weeks because she was so early. During those two weeks I worked my butt off to make sure the house was unpacked, clean, and ready to go. I spent most of my time decorating her room. I cleaned the carpet, baseboards, fan blades, windowsills, and repainted the whole room - for sanitation purposes...? But of course it didn't stop there. I "had" to paint the room with two different colors - separated by a chair railing all the way around the room (of which every piece had to be cut at the perfect angel and painted just right). Again, none of this was necessary but it was a labor of love. She wasn't going to come home and be wowed by the job I had done in her room - she didn't even sleep in her room for months. She still has no idea what chair railing is. But when love abounds it finds extra special ways to present itself.
The greatest stories always have an abundance of subplots that cause us to more greatly appreciate the main point the author is trying to make. Why then would we expect any different from The Author who is writing the greatest story of all time. Why did God design it so that Jesus would have to fulfill all of these quirky legalities? Because he could. And because he wanted to emphasize his love for us - even if we never noticed it. (I feel quite confident this is not his only expression of love I have overlooked) The "legalities" and prophesies provide great evidence and proof that Jesus was who he claimed to be to the Israelites (Jews), and yet they are the ones who denied him...doesn't it make sense then that these things must have had a greater (and far simpler) purpose? God's love abounds to such extremes that it has to find extra special ways to present itself. What a shame we overlook most of them! Maybe he should wrap them up and tie a bow on top...wait a minute...
Your part: I am calling you to participate (if anyone is actually out there - other than my mom) by doing more than just reading. I want to hear about what ways God has gone "overboard" to express his love for you recently. You can share your story by posting comments below :)
Monday, December 22, 2008
Let's get started!
I'm sure most of you have not even read the blog below yet, but I am ready to get moving! So, read the blog below, then come back to this one - it will make much more sense :)
Okay, now that you're up to date, let's get started.
Before Jesus is even born, Joseph is visited by an angel telling him his fiance is pregnant and it is "Okay." "It's from the Holy Spirit." We could discuss the ramifications of Joseph's reaction for weeks, but what jumped out to me is how quickly the angel moved on like this was no big deal! He quickly moves on to the name the child is to be given (talk about a raw deal for Joseph - no part in the conception and no input on the name either!) - - Jesus..."because he will save his people from their sins."
Background: Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua. In case you are unfamiliar with that name, allow me to educate you...Joshua was the leader of the Isrealites who took over after Moses. He is the one who stayed in the tent and talked with God after Moses left. He is one of the spies who said the Isrealites could actually conquer the land God promised them. He is the one who led the conquering of the Promise Land. He is one of only two characters I know of in the Bible that is mentioned for more than geneology purposes, but does not make any mistakes or have any character flaws written about him. (Enoch is the other - and he was mainly listed for geneology) He is also my favorite character and "Hero" in Scripture. His name means the Lord saves.
So, when the angel tells Joseph he is to give "his" son the same name as the man who led the Isrealites to victory throughout the Promise Land, and it's, "Because he will save his people from their sins," Jospeh must have been filled with a little bit of excitement. "His" son was going to be the next great leader of his people! "His" son would be the one who fulfilled the prophecies! How could a father not be proud - especially a Jewish father who could reach no higher heights?
Now, from our standpoint what does this name mean? Well, it obviously establishes the fact that he has come to do great things. But to get a better idea of what this name brings with it, check out the first few verses in Joshua when Joshua receives his commands from God and the promises that are made about him: "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses...No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life...I will never leave you nor forsake you...Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them...Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Sound like these words apply to the life of Christ as well?...possibly?
What a promise of success God is laying out for Jesus - to Joseph! Again, what father would not be proud to claim such a son (even if you had nothing to do with his conception)?
Again, from the onset Jesus' purpose is to bring hope and victory!! Not guilt or shame. His name alone infers God's promise to deliver his people and to bring us freedom - - just as Joshua led the Isrealites into a world they never thought possible while they were building pyramids in Egypt. So is Jesus' purpose for coming into our lives; he came to lead and save, not to condemn or judge. (that sounds kind of familiar...like John 3:17ish) Man, the dots are starting to connect already! :)
Okay, now that you're up to date, let's get started.
Before Jesus is even born, Joseph is visited by an angel telling him his fiance is pregnant and it is "Okay." "It's from the Holy Spirit." We could discuss the ramifications of Joseph's reaction for weeks, but what jumped out to me is how quickly the angel moved on like this was no big deal! He quickly moves on to the name the child is to be given (talk about a raw deal for Joseph - no part in the conception and no input on the name either!) - - Jesus..."because he will save his people from their sins."
Background: Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua. In case you are unfamiliar with that name, allow me to educate you...Joshua was the leader of the Isrealites who took over after Moses. He is the one who stayed in the tent and talked with God after Moses left. He is one of the spies who said the Isrealites could actually conquer the land God promised them. He is the one who led the conquering of the Promise Land. He is one of only two characters I know of in the Bible that is mentioned for more than geneology purposes, but does not make any mistakes or have any character flaws written about him. (Enoch is the other - and he was mainly listed for geneology) He is also my favorite character and "Hero" in Scripture. His name means the Lord saves.
So, when the angel tells Joseph he is to give "his" son the same name as the man who led the Isrealites to victory throughout the Promise Land, and it's, "Because he will save his people from their sins," Jospeh must have been filled with a little bit of excitement. "His" son was going to be the next great leader of his people! "His" son would be the one who fulfilled the prophecies! How could a father not be proud - especially a Jewish father who could reach no higher heights?
Now, from our standpoint what does this name mean? Well, it obviously establishes the fact that he has come to do great things. But to get a better idea of what this name brings with it, check out the first few verses in Joshua when Joshua receives his commands from God and the promises that are made about him: "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses...No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life...I will never leave you nor forsake you...Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them...Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Sound like these words apply to the life of Christ as well?...possibly?
What a promise of success God is laying out for Jesus - to Joseph! Again, what father would not be proud to claim such a son (even if you had nothing to do with his conception)?
Again, from the onset Jesus' purpose is to bring hope and victory!! Not guilt or shame. His name alone infers God's promise to deliver his people and to bring us freedom - - just as Joshua led the Isrealites into a world they never thought possible while they were building pyramids in Egypt. So is Jesus' purpose for coming into our lives; he came to lead and save, not to condemn or judge. (that sounds kind of familiar...like John 3:17ish) Man, the dots are starting to connect already! :)
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