31 Days of Devotion, Day 15 by Robyn Rhodes

Daily Reading: Luke 4:1-15

I was sitting in on a recent high school Sunday School lesson and loved the illustration one of our teachers used to help our teenagers understand living by the Spirit. There were two containers on the table, one had pieces of cut fruit, the other was filled with Snickers, Hershey, Reeses, etc. She asked, “Which one of these do you want more–the fruit or the candy?”Unanimous–CANDY! Then she asked, “Which one of these is healthier for you?” Hmm–well, of course the FRUIT.

This imagery sat with me this morning while praying about the passage from Luke and thinking about the strength of the Spirit that was within Jesus, leading Jesus and empowering Jesus during this sacred story of the temptation.

Do our mouths water at the sight of those delicious candy bars, too? Don’t we want the stones to turn to bread–to fancy cars, nice clothes, and houses? Jesus knew that this kind of bribery would not work.

Jesus was not willing to bargain or be a quick sensation. Filled with the Spirit Jesus rejected the way of power and chose the way of the cross.

May this be a reminder to us that with God’s strength we can dedicate ourselves to a path that will glorify God. Even if we must cut through hard melon rinds, making the good choice is worth it. May the Spirit strengthen you in times of solidarity and in times of community and may the Spirit move us to love others as God intended.

Daily Prayer

Dear God, thank you for the example that Jesus gives us of turning to your word in remaining steadfast in his calling. Give us strength to avoid seeking our own glory in order that we might direct others’ attention to your gracious purposes. Amen