Temptation Island is a TV show with an interesting and dangerous premise. Couples come to an island and are faced with persons whose sole aim is to tempt the couple to betray their relationship. It’s a dangerous thing to test a relationship. Sometimes they just don’t hold up.
Here’s the thing. You shouldn’t have to test a relationship if you know the one with whom you’re in relationship. If I know my husband and his heart, I don’t feel the need to put him through any kind of testing process. I trust that he loves me.
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 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.’”
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written,
‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Matthew 4:5-7
There are times when you’re just not sure if God is there. Times when we find ourselves tempted to test that God is truly with us. “God if you’re there do this.” Or, “God if you’re real heal my loved one.” And we don’t see it as testing God, but when you think about it, that’s what it is. In an act of desperation, we challenge God to do what we want Him to do. That’s the temptation of desperation.
Jesus shows us how to deal with the desperation of the wilderness. I invite you to join me for this week’s sermon: Temptation Island. Worship with us in-person or online this Sunday, the third Sunday of Lent, at 10:00am. Check it all out on our main page!
Lenten Challenge: Take 13!
It only takes 13 minutes a day to read thru the Bible in a year! Take the challenge and Take 13! There’s more info and some helpful resources on the website.
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Blessings,
Pastor Linda