Why is Lent so important? (Week 2)

As we continue to understand why Lent is so important, we have to begin to trust God.

Learning to ‘trust in the slow work of God,” means trusting God in every situation. This is God’s way of preparing us. As we look to God, we experience growth.

Unfortunately, growth is not fun. It is uncomfortable, yet necessary. As we journey toward the cross, God grows us through our discomfort. Jesus knew learning to trust God was the first and most important step in His own relationship.

Reflecting on Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, I now see God was preparing Him. But there are a few things in this story I failed to recognize.

Preparation leads to growth.

Matthew 4:1-11 NIV reads;

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ²After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

⁴Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’^[”

⁵Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

⁷Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

⁸Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

¹⁰Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

¹¹Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”

Learn to trust God.

Here are a few things to keep in mind;

“The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness…” I thought Jesus decided to go into the wilderness to pray and fast. Understanding the Spirit led him there, gives me a new perspective.
“…to be tempted by the devil.” God led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. That was the purpose. And, it prepared Him for His future ministry. When we apply these truths to our lives, we begin to trust God in all things.
The tempter came to Jesus after his 40 days of fasting. Two things; 1) the devil comes at our weakest moments because the devil is weak and has no real power. 2) God uses our weaknesses for His glory.
Jesus rebuked every temptation with scripture. If you want to defeat the devils in your life, know your scripture!
Every temptation was later used in Jesus’ ministry to glorify God. (See Commentary by the Working Preacher.)
The devil left and the angels came. The Bible says “resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Hebrews indicates the angels have been sent here to minister to us.

Application leads to new perspective.

When I sold my business to write my first book, I found myself in the proverbial ‘wilderness.’ At times, I felt like I was being punished, or I had failed to learn a lesson thus keeping me here longer. Soon, my wondering turned to grumbling, and I began to relate to the Israelites (Exodus 16). I did not realize God was leading me to this place in preparation of a future ministry. But, that is what He did. Now, I have this writing ministry I love.

We have to learn to trust the slow work of God, which prepares us. Just like God was preparing Jesus. In that preparation, we grow and learn to trust God.

Ultimately, it is about our relationship with God. God leads us to places, giving us the tools we can use for His good. As we continue on our journey with Jesus, may we learn from Him, trusting God fully, knowing He is preparing and growing us for our next season. A season where we know God like He knows us.

Dear Lord, thank you for your patience. Help us to draw into You. Teach us how to love like You do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

P.S. – Leave me a comment below and let me know how you are committing to Christ this Lenten Season. Forward this message to a friend or share on Facebook. Join me back here next week, as we join Jesus around the table for his last meal. -M