And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry... And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. (Luke 4:1-2,13 ESV)
So often we look at this passage and it looks so easy - the Son of God taking on temptation by Satan and defeating it with three easy blows. Not so fast. First, HE was tempted during the 40 days, not just after it. Secondly, Satan would come back for more (at some "opportune time"). And thirdly, maybe even more, He did it for us all. Whatever the Incarnate Christ did, He did it as Substitute, in our place, on our behalf, the one for the many. Since He did that for me, I better take more seriously how I take on temptation, and call on Him for help.
Appreciate the reminder. We so often fall into using excuses instead of claiming the resources God gives us to live victoriously. Keep blogging and thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDelete