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Sunday, January 25, 2009
Led to the Test
Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert. Jesus was taken
there to be tempted by the devil.
-- Matthew 4:1 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Most of us hate tests -- whether they're school tests, professional
tests, or life tests. Spiritual tests are the most difficult of all.
Yet in this passage, Jesus faces a test that the Spirit of God led him
to experience. This test immediately confronts Jesus with a choice
about the direction of his ministry: Would he take shortcuts or would
he pay the full price of redeeming humanity? Jesus chose the long way,
the hard way, the way of the cross and suffering. It's said that "The
longest distance between two points is a shortcut!" Jesus refuses the
shortcut and lives up to God's expectations for him as he is led by the
Spirit. He refuses to compromise and chooses to be the obedient Son.
There is great comfort for us in this. Because Jesus experienced
temptation and was victorious, he can help us in our times of trials
and temptations (Heb. 2:18; Heb. 4:15). In addition, his Spirit leads
us and molds us into greater strength as we follow him. Let's seek help
in overcoming our own temptations, and the result will be victory just
as Jesus conquered sin by overcoming all of his temptations!
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for having Jesus face times of
temptation. I believe he was perfectly holy, so his life helps me put
mine into perspective. Thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit to help
and strengthen me in my times of crisis and trial. Thank you for Jesus
who sits at your side interceding for me as I face my temptations. May
the testing of my faith -- the trials I face and the temptations Satan
throws in my way -- produce greater character in me. I want people to
see my character and know that I am seeking to honor you. In Jesus'
name. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
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>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/0125-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+4:1&sr=1&t=erv
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