Day 42 Led to Loneliness
The temptation in the wilderness* intrigues me on so many levels. First, He was led. Not by the enemy but by His Spirit. (note to self - careful about placing blame on the enemy when all along it's the friend of my soul) He was intentionally led to lonlieness, to hunger and finally to intense temptation. The enemy offers Him what the world esteems; provision, prominence in a high position and power. Funny thing, Jesus already has this. But He gives it up for His rescue mission. It's important to note, we are always tempted with what we already have. We are tempted because we want it to look different.
Secondly, His temptation comes after His affirmation! The heavens open. He sees the Spirit descend like a dove and the dove rests on him. A voice from heaven says, "This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased." This is the pinnacle; affirmation by the One and Only. So where is the pomp and circumstance, where is the party?
Not for this lonely dude. He wins a trip to the wilderness! He is the first one on the narrow path. But He will be the only one onto crucifixion for this rescue mission. Let me rephrase this - He chose a narrow path, to crucifixion. He chose it.
Affirmation is definitely what you need when you are about to face the X Games of temptation. And this kind of temptation - we will never face. He was faced with aborting His plan to judge and save. But it's not gonna happen by the Son with whom God is well pleased. Isn't it funny how disappointed we are when things do not go our way?
There is no rest for eternity!
*Matthew 4
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