Reading 1

Matt. 1-4

One of the things that strikes me in this section of Matthew is the first verse in chapter 4

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.”

The first time this caught my eye it struck me that not only was Jesus led by the Spirit, but that the Spirit led him into the desert. This went counter to what I had assumed to be true about being led by the Spirit. I had thought that a person who was led by the Spirit would be led out of difficulty, not into it! At that point in my life I thought that difficulty and hardship were indicators I was not in God’s will. And they may be, but not always. This verse said otherwise.

Sometimes to be led by the Spirit of God is to be led into difficult and trying times. Not all difficulty indicates being out of the will of God. In fact, it may confirm just the opposite.

Secondly, being Spirit led does not automatically protect a person from being tempted by the evil one. Of course, upon reflection, that makes sense. If you are in God’s will the evil one will want to tempt you and see you stumble. If you are out of God’s will, why bother since you are where the evil one desires you to be?

Thirdly, the desert is not a place to be feared or avoided at all costs. If the Spirit is leading you, there is a reason for the direction he is taking you. If it was necessary for Jesus to be led into the desert, it is to be expected that at some point the Spirit will lead you into a desert time, too. In one school of thought this is because the desert was a time of strengthening Jesus and preparing him for the public ministry he would be embarking on. And so for us as well.

If you are in a difficult time right now take a moment to prayerfully look back. Were you being led by the Spirit prior to the difficulties, or simply going your own way? If you were led by the Spirit, then don’t doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light.

Nils

Reading #1 (audio)