Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
Matthew 4:1–11

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. (NRSV)

Reflection

Stories like this allow me to keep the whole temptation situation at arm’s length. Forty days and nights is biblical speak for a really long time. I know that humans can’t survive that long without food, and if Jesus was fasting from water too, he wouldn’t have survived more than three days. I believe in science enough to know that rocks don’t become bread. I’m afraid of heights so no pinnacle of the temple for me. And I can barely manage my own life; why would I want all the kingdoms of the world?

It’s so much easier to read this literally and therefore declare the whole situation as not applicable to my life. But Lent is an opportunity to go a little deeper than that literal reading. [Please note that it would be much easier to give up potato chips or chocolate for Lent than going deeper. I’ve tried to convince God that my love of chips would constitute a real challenge. But so far, no luck.]

So instead, these are the questions that I will be asking during Lent. Maybe some resonate with you.

When do I turn to food/drink/television/social media scrolling for comfort rather than listening to God’s promise of my belovedness and worthiness?
God has placed people in my life who love and support me. Why keep my armor up? Am I testing God? Am I testing my friends and family or doubting my own self-worth?
I like solving problems, but has solving problems become my idol? Am I seeking affirmation and approval through my work? Can I believe that I am enough?

That’s quite a list and it will likely take me every bit of forty days and nights to work through it. Am I absolutely certain that I don’t just want to give up chips or chocolate?

Prayer

God, draw me closer to your heart. Give me courage to stay with the tough questions. Help me to feel your presence in my wilderness. Amen.

Written by Andrea Denney, Executive Director of Operational Ministries

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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