Greetings
Have you ever read a familiar scripture and discovered something new? I guess it’s proof of God’s power and testimony of openness to the Holy Spirit. Then it’s as if I found a nugget of gold; but since I keep chewing on it; it’s really a Nougat – even when it’s hard to swallow. Hmm hmm hmmmmn. Here’s today’s Holy Nougat
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.”
Matthew 4:1 ASV
Now I’ve read of Jesus being tempted several times, in both Matthew and Luke; but it struck me anew that Jesus was LED by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. This wasn’t an episode of ‘Naked and Afraid’ ‘Animal Planet’ or some similar reality type show – tho it could be. There was far more at stake: our redemption.
Jesus’ temptations were not accidental. That’s why He was in the wildernesses – without food – for at least forty days. But, although He was IN the wilderness; the Wilderness was not in Him. Jesus was LED by God’s Spirit – the Holy Spirit was His constant silent companion!
This is priceless knowledge for when we sense that we are in the wilderness. No, we are NOT Jesus. However, considering Job’s experiences; it is safe to surmise that we also may be in the wilderness by the Holy Spirit’s leading. And, if we find ourselves there, maybe we would benefit from feasting on God’s Word.
I pray God grants us discernment to recognize the times and to sense God’s presence in and with us.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
