Today’s scripture: Luke 4:1-13 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (John Seksay):
Anyone who knows me well knows that I visit the gym regularly to maintain my overall fitness. My record of maintaining a three-times-a-week goal is far from perfect, but my persistence in support of the goal has lasted at least 20 years in its current form. Sometimes I miss because of events beyond my control, like a needed surgery. Sometimes the pattern is disrupted by events within my control and I have chosen to NOT exercise that day to support another call of major importance. But when each day presents itself, the need for regular exercise is engraved as a permanent item at the top of my internalized to-do list. The regimen has given me very good health as of my 65th birthday, and I see no cause to abandon this pattern.
We all have these internal patterns, whether we acknowledge them or not. Each of us has certain things in our life that we do quite consistently, almost as if impelled by some inner drive. We have not always chosen these items with deliberation and care, but over time they come to generate the fabric of our lives. We are “creatures of habit.” As such powerful regulators, these behaviors deserve more attention than they often get.
The same was true in the days of Jesus. The patterns of Jewish culture were tied to their spiritual history and religious calendar. It would be easy to assume that living a good life would simply consist of following the recommended patterns. Jesus had done that diligently and blamelessly for the first three decades of his life, so the casual observer would have thought he was ready for his role at John’s baptism. After all, the Holy Spirit descended and God announced approval! It was time for Jesus to report to the Temple in Jerusalem and take care of business!
But the Holy Spirit took Jesus off into the desert for a long period of fasting and temptation. Why do this to someone who supposedly had things down pat already? It’s not like he hadn’t learned the law and the prophets! But his purpose wasn’t to teach the Jewish people what was quite familiar to them, however erratic their performance may have been. By teaching and example, Jesus would be called to fulfill the law. Passive spirituality given by laws is not the same as active spirituality driven by the breath of the Holy Spirit!
Any person can appreciate how a refreshing breeze can be cooling to the skin, passively benefiting him for the moment. But compare that to modern air conditioning. The laws of physics for evaporation govern both experiences, but what a difference the active application of that understanding makes in today’s world!
Jesus knew and felt the powerful breeze of the Holy Spirit within himself, and wanted everyone to have access to that same wonderful blessing! He was sent to link them to God in a new and powerful way outside their traditional experience. To do that, he would have to overcome many obstacles and suffer apparent setbacks. Still, as far as his human frame would allow, Jesus was unrelenting in the pursuit of his goal. He worked at being God-centered until every part of his life fed this one purpose — even his death.
Here’s a telling statistic: If a person manages to maintain an exercise goal of any type in their life, and are able to keep at it for a full year, despite disruptions, despite discouragements, despite distractions, it then becomes a key habit; it became a part of who they are.
Need prayer? Prioritize the time! Need fellowship? Build and maintain the connections! Our strongest habits aren’t subject to instant revision. Know before you start that you will have setbacks and sidetracking. Don’t lose faith if you feel less than perfect or have an off day along the way. All you have to do is not give up on what you have decided to become!
Need Jesus? Let the Holy Spirit help you become unrelenting!
Thought for the day: Is time with the Holy Spirit high on my to-do list every day? Are there opportunities for spiritual growth that I am missing?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.