Today’s scripture: Matthew 4:1-11 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Cheryl Stonestreet):
It’s the stories that we are most familiar with that can be the hardest to write about. This is one of those stories. How do I look at it with new eyes and make it relevant to me today?
The first temptation is an easy one to write about. Even on a full stomach, I can barely steer away from dessert. I like food. I like to take my comfort in it. I probably even abuse it from time to time. Besides water, food is the most basic of bodily needs. Yet Jesus showed us that what is spiritual is more important than our most basic of earthly needs. We need God’s word more than food. We can go a long time without food, but without God in our hearts and mind, we can’t last.
The second temptation, physical danger, is probably the easiest one to write about. Don’t test God. What do I do to test God? Do I text while driving? Have unsafe sex? Do I smoke, use illicit drugs, and/or hang out in dangerous places with dangerous people? Do I do things for the adrenaline rush? My life is a precious gift. I need to take care of it.
The third temptation is a bit more baffling, but then again maybe not. How many sermons have I heard about how I am a Child of God and therefore the inheritor of all of God’s wealth? How many books are on the shelves in Christian bookstores telling me such? According to some, all I need to do is ask for something “in Jesus’ name,” and it’s as good as mine!
I noticed Jesus didn’t tell Satan that all the kingdoms of the world and all their splendors were already his. Instead, he told Satan to go away. Instead, he vowed only to worship God, and God alone. Again, Jesus showed us that what is spiritual is more important than the things of this world. And he did it on an empty stomach.
Thought for the day: When somebody challenges me by saying “If you are a Christian then. . . (fill in the blank),” do I let my ego get in the way and react to the challenge, or do I remember that I am actually a spiritual being here to do God’s will?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.