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
