Today's Journey
Wilderness Experiences
Oct . 20,2012
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 4:1 ESV
Is
it just me, or does it seem like Americans have become increasingly
fascinated with things like mountain climbing, white-water rafting,
rappelling, and other treacherous activities? Anyone with a desire to
explore the rugged realities of nature can sign up for “adventure
vacations” or attend camps that offer skills courses to help them
successfully navigate through rough terrain and experience the thrill of
conquering their challenges.
But as adventuresome as the
wilderness may seem, it’s a dangerous place. Which makes me think of the
time that Jesus went into the wilderness to go head to head with Satan.
The wilderness experience for Jesus, as we learn in Matthew 4:1-25,
was no cakewalk. The same tempter who had entered God’s garden—and with
one decisive blow replaced the joy of Eden with the barrenness of
disappointment and shame—now welcomed Jesus to his barren turf.
And
don’t miss the timing. Right after the magnificent moment of Jesus’
baptism, the Spirit intentionally led Jesus into the wilderness to be
confronted with Satan’s tempting suggestions. Why? To show us that Jesus
knows how to win in the wilderness and that He can lead us through the
wilderness successfully as well.
The key to survival? The Word of
God, as Jesus so masterfully demonstrated in His wilderness experience.
With every temptation, Jesus “threw the Book” at Satan. In the midst of
your wilderness, pointed passages of Scripture are the KO punch that you
need. The truth of God’s Word in Satan’s face protects us from the lies
that are crafted to destroy us—every time!
So, let Jesus be your
wilderness guide. Not only has He been through it, but in another barren
place outside the walls of Jerusalem He died to grace us with His
salvation so that we would be assured that one day He would be able to
lead us from the wilderness of this world back to Eden again—forever!
Lord Jesus, You know exactly what it feels like to be in the wilderness, tempted and challenged by Satan. I come to You as my great High Priest, the One who can sympathize with my weakness, trusting that You can help me in my times of need. Please equip me to use Your Word as my sword and strengthen my feeble heart. I will trust You and give You all of the glory, in Your name. Amen.
YOUR JOURNEY…
- Think about your “wilderness experience” when it comes to facing temptation and times of testing. When have you been led down paths of destruction?
- Have you ever successfully navigated through the wilderness? If so, what was the key to your survival?
- How well do you know God’s Word? Think of some specific ways that you can increase your knowledge of His Word and bolster your survival skills to overcome Satan’s attempts to manipulate and malign you in the future!
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