Scripture: Luke 4:1
Jesus returned from the Jordan River full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.
Thought for the Day: So often we have thought of “the wilderness” as a dangerous and frightening place. It might be both of those things, but so often in scripture, it is also the place where people come to encounter and build a relationship with God. Maybe it’s because the wilderness experience requires us to depend more on God. Maybe it is because we reduce the number of distractions. Or maybe it’s because the God who is screaming love and mercy to us each day can finally be heard without the cacophony of other voices. Jesus didn’t just accidentally find himself in the wilderness. He was led there by the Holy Spirit. The Israelites, when leaving Egypt, were led by God’s messenger, Moses, but also by the beckoning fire of God. God lures us into the wilderness using all kinds of methods, but when it is God who does the luring, we can feel confident that there is something wonderful to be received despite it being the wilderness.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, be my guide to that place where I am better able to perceive the divine presence, receive holy mercy, and to know that I am loved without condition. It might be the wilderness, but it is your wilderness. Amen.
SUNDAY’S SERMON
Looking At The Temptations Of Jesus
