I draw a connection between the temptation experience of Jesus and our celebration of Lent. For me, both have to do with a serious attempt to establish an agenda for the days ahead.

For Jesus, the days in the wilderness served to clarify in his own mind who he was and why he was. At the very core of this quest was a determination of his relationship with God.

The temptations had to do with many of the usual temptations we face in our human journey – power and influence, wealth and personal independence.

I was blogging on the rich young ruler recently and I wondered whether Jesus was thinking of his temptation as he considered the answer he would give to the young man regarding his request of what to do in order to achieve eternal life – power and riches or giving of his resources in order to fulfill God’s Will for him and aiding the building of God’s Kingdom on earth.

The response to the temptations by Jesus is clear – in each instance, the declaration is: “Nevertheless not my will, but Thine be done.”

The course of his ministry is established as he sets out to ask at every turn of events and each challenge: What do I understand God wills for me to do.

For me, Lent is a time to seriously consider my understanding of both where God has led me, and on what path God is leading me in my journey ahead.

How will I consider what I have to offer and the way I will use it in the name of the Lord?

To what degree will I allow my will to be supplemented by my understanding of God’s Will?

Knowing that God is willing to accompany me in my leap into the future, will I be humble enough to allow God’s Spirit to fill me with the gift of love and grace to share as I make my choices and decisions?

Throughout his public ministry, the decisions Jesus made in the wilderness remain constant, whether on the mountain of transfiguration or in the garden of decision: nevertheless not my will, but Your Will be done.

My prayer is that we find this Lenten season a time of significant decision making as we set our agenda for the challenges ahead.

Bob