Nougat 26

As previously stated, temptation comes in all forms. Some are even personalized for us. Consider today’s Holy Nougat which addresses our expectations of reward for good works

“Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Most of us might agree that this makes sense. Yet, there’s a Jamaican proverb that says, ‘the good you do; the thanks you get.’ This suggests that we don’t always receive positive responses or feedback for good behavior. When we help others and they are ungrateful; or our good deed literally results in punishment; it is feasible that temptation is lurking around. For, for many of us, there is a fleeting moment when we envision avenging the wrong we faced for doing good. Some might not take that thought further; others will respond long before realizing it was a spiritual trap.

When Jesus was arrested, the devil was there every step of the way. From the Upper private Room where He ate with His betrayer, to the courts of the Sanhedrin and Chief Priests; to the spitting and whipping … the devil and his troops were there. Many yielded to the devil’s tactics. Few even recognized that they were tempted.

Judas’ eyes were opened to the deception AFTER the Fact. He recognized that he sold out a Good Man; Who was also the Son of God. Broken by his treatment of his Friend; Judas yielded to yet another scheme of the enemy – he committed suicide.

Peter was incensed at the treatment meted out to his Master. He pulled out his sword in retaliation and a man’s ear was lopped off. Later, he denied allegiance to Jesus THRICE to save his skin. Despite this, Peter saw what he’d done; he repented and became the leader of the apostles for a while.

Pilate was warned by his wife. He partly heeded the warning by waging his hands as proof of distancing. But he did not forbid the crucifixion.

Two thieves – 1 consumed with bitterness; the other repentant. They were the ‘last straw’ in a long night of being punished for His goodness. That was the perfect opportunity to teach everyone a lesson. It must have been tempting for the Son of God.

But, like He did for Judas – by feeding him despite knowing Judas was about to betray Him; like He did for the soldier by reattaching the sliced ear (and yet we don’t hear of the soldier walking away from the arrest); like He did for Peter by reinstating him to the fold; Jesus took the High (Heavenly) Road and offered the penitent immediate access to Heaven (ie Paradise (see Luke 23:43)). And, in case you wondered about Pilate and the other thief – well they got covered in the prayer for Forgiveness. A prayer that includes you and me every time we sin against Jesus. In fact, even now, Jesus sits at God’s right side interceding for us! Yes indeed.

That’s Jesus’ response to temptation. He counterattacked with God’s Love. And every single time, without fail, He was punished again. And again and again Jesus retaliated with Love. Hence Peter continues; but if you are punished for doing good; God will reward you (verse 14). In other words; even when tempted to avenge the wrongdoing we faced for doing good; let’s focus on Jesus and follow His lead – do good anyway.

So Lord I pray; let the cup of temptation pass from us when we desire to retaliate for wrong actions against us. Send a fresh impactful wave of God’s Spirit to obliterate the feelings of vengeance. Give us sacrificial hearts of love. Fresh and new like Your hesed (steadfast love). Help us submit to You, our forever Sovereign, we pray dear Jesus amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ