October 8, 2012
The
tried and true “wisdom” of the ages has been “just given them what
they want and they’ll follow you”. At
least it works for a while. Karl
Marx said that “religion is the opiate of the people”.
Give them heaven and they’ll put up with whatever
we do to them now. FDR and
Lyndon Johnson brought us social reform which sounds good to those who
get it (and there are a lot of us! Including me who got federal student loan help).
Rack up enough social programs, give enough people what they
want and you’ve “bought” future elections!
Works for a while at least.
But only for a while. The
piper needs paid.
Jesus refused to manipulate an outcome. He knew miracles lasted only so long. So, instead of "bringing down ten thousand angels” to rescue him from the cross, he lived only “by every word that comes from the mouth of God”. He knew his Father’s will for him and he accepted it. He made no bargains with the devil. Instead he resisted. It cost him his life, yet it gained him his life.
Every day, as above, there
are buttons you can push that promise to get you what you want
quickly and easily. If you just put your trust in some
lying idol.
There’s no way around it. In order to gain our lives we must lose them. We must lose whatever the devil, the “angel of light” who looks so good at first, offers. We grieve at the loss, but we rejoice at the reward of the life lived in the hands of God.
Which buttons are you tempted to push today?
What magic can you pull off to get what you want? Will you refuse the shortcut?
Will you give in to the white lies, the corner cutting and
manipulations which promise more than they can deliver?
One more thing Notice that the Holy Spirit “drove” (see Mark 1) Jesus to where he was tempted. You can expect the same. And: Jesus was tired and weak. When you’re tired and weak, make sure you’re “prayed up” strong enough to resist the devil. If you’re strong enough to persevere in resisting him, then he will flee.
Just a few thoughts-
ReplyDeleteActs 2:38
"Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call."
John 3:13-15
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness."
Righteousness is what was being tested in the desert. I think Satan knew that if he could find a flaw in the righteousness of Christ, his gain would be all of mankind. Satan knew his biggest asset was pride, but I think he also knew his weakness-righteousness. (take a look at the dialogue between God and Satan over Job)
Jesus said if he didn't go away, the 'counselor' couldn't come. I sometimes think we treat the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives as just an 'added benefit'. The Holy Spirit with Jesus and with the Holy Spirit with us is God's seal of approval, it approves and solidifies are righteousness before Him and without it we are powerless.
Christ didn't go into the desert tired and hungry, he went into the desert affirmed, confirmed, approved, empowered, readied to do battle and steadfast in who and why he came. Satan did not have a chance for Jesus, the man had been filled with the Holy Spirit! Every part of him now was divine and eternal!
Our life on earth is tenuous. It can overwhelm us and dishearten us if we don't remember who resides within us. The best thing we can all do is not pray to a God who is somewhere beyond us, but pray to a God who lives inside of us.
WOW-our creator lives in us and for us, who can stand against us?
Thank you, Jesus.