Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Matthew 4:1-4

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” ’

Know this

Forgetfulness lies at the root of every temptation. We forget who we are. We are beloved. The Holy One has promised never to abandon or betray us.

Jesus knew. He was constantly aware that God’s promise and nearness accompanied him wherever he went. He trusted God’s Spirit would provide what he needed each moment as he revealed God’s kingdom.

He did not fall into the temptation to use his power to serve and protect himself. He used his power for others, knowing his security rested in the eternal, unfailing love of God.

Every day, each new morning we should rise and remind ourselves who we are ... and who God is.

God is the Loving Mystery whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere.

And we are the beloved of this great God who goes before us into every circumstance, hungry to bless us amid the wilderness of living.

Knowing this, we can live with open hearts and gentle confidence, using our power to serve the Love who loves us.

Pr. David L. Miller