Our Scripture meditation is based on Matthew 4:1-4, the start of the Gospel Reading for next week, the First Sunday in Lent. For a meditation on the Epistle Lesson, click HERE.
[1] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. [3] And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” [4] But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
I’ve witnessed a number of Lenten practices over the years.
Some Christians give up something from daily life to share in Jesus’ fasting for 40 days, as an act of penitence or as a reminder for prayer. Other Christians will add a spiritual discipline during Lent, such as a special daily prayer time or reading a specific section of Scripture.
As you are considering what to do for Lent this year, consider this Scripture passage.
Notice that Satan goes after Jesus’ weakness, his hunger. Satan temps Jesus with providing for Himself, as opposed to waiting for God the Father to provide for Him. When considering what to do for Lent, one option is reviewing where we are susceptible to sin. Then discern what could be given up for Lent in order to address the temptation.
Next, consider how Jesus addressed Satan’s temptation: “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Taken broadly, we can apply this as being proactive in dealing with sin. What activity can you start to address the temptation? Understood narrowly, meditation on Scripture to deal with the temptation is a sound choice.
May our Lord strengthen your faith this Lent. Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 