Following Jesus – From the Edges – Led through Temptation

Following Jesus From the Edges –

Pastor Calvin Cook – June 25, 2024

Led through Temptation

Scripture focus – Mark 1:12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

I know what it is to feel like we are living alone in a wilderness. We stumble along, fret and worry overtake us. We seek for the meal sometimes the morsel that will satisfy us. In the loneliness of the everyday we are searching, yet to realize what we are searching for. Then suddenly out of nowhere the thought of rescue and sustainment appears and we have the choice we make. Will this that is offered to me really satisfy the searching of my heart, soul, and being?

The words of the account of the temptations of Jesus speak loudly from the Gospel of Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13, and Mark 1:12 all remind us of one great provision that we often miss. The words “the Spirit sent him” ring true in our lives. The purpose of Holy Spirit is lived out that we are being guided and protected by the Holy Spirit in all that we are going through.

The Temptations of Jesus remind us also of choice. Just as Jesus was given the choice when the devil appeared, so are we. Notice in the reading that each temptation was combated by the teachings of the Holy word of God.   Testing of the offerings of life only will prove faithful and righteous if these offerings can be accepted by us as the Holy Spirits directions backed up by scripture.

As the opening words of this devotion out line, life is tough! Life is full of all different types of obstacles, setbacks, temptations and illusions. We can never or will we ever be satisfied with the things of the world or that the evil one brings. We can, however, find hope in those things that the Holy Spirit brings, spend your time on these things.

Today be comforted by the presence of the Holy Spirit –