Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Christ who transcends temptations“

Luke 1:1-13
v.4 "It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

The Sirens were three mysterious women who according to Homer’s Odyssey, lived on an island.  Whenever a ship passed by, they would stand on the cliffs and sing. Their beautiful song would tempt sailors closer and closer, until eventually they were shipwrecked on the rocks below.  Odysseus was curious to hear the Sirens’ song, but was well aware of the dangers. He ordered his men to tie him to the mast as they approached the island and then to plug their own ears with beeswax.  When Odysseus heard the Siren sing, he demanded to be untied, but his shipmates bound him tighter, releasing him only when the danger had passed. 
Most of us do not take the precautions that Odysseus took when facing temptations.  In our world, we do not need to look for temptations, they are all around.  In fact, even before we finish this devotion, we will be tempted to check our emails, answer a text or a call, or wander thinking of an important task to complete, etc.  The world always tries to pull us away from the presence of God.  It is important to look at how Jesus overcame his temptations, so that we can imitate that response in our lives when we face temptations.
Word over bread: 
The tempter always engages us in a conversation and tries to convince us that temporary satisfaction is more important than spiritual growth.  Bread seems like a simple straight forward solution to physical hunger after fasting for forty days!  But Jesus knew that His relationship with the father and his spiritual hunger was more important in the long run. Often times, we satisfy our physical needs before attending to the spiritual needs.  Jesus knew the importance of His relationship with the Father over satisfying his physical hunger.
Worship over power:
From history, we know that power and authority corrupt human beings.  Most of us yield to this temptation when we’re faced with such a challenge.  We feel that we are in control when we have power.  Often it comes at a cost of our relationship with our heavenly father.  It is during worship that we submit ourselves to God and let God take control of our lives.  Jesus knew the importance of worshiping the living God over acquiring worldly power.
Faith over test:
We test God by making our own plans and asking God to back it up. Humanly speaking, it is hard to wait upon the Lord for His plans for us.  His timing is not always convenient for our busy life.  But, from experience, we learn that His plans are always better than our own. It was Jesus’ relationship with His father that gave Him this confidence. We need to nurture a relationship with Jesus in order to grow in our faith and dependence on Him.  Jesus knew the importance of waiting on God, over testing God.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY  
Jesus fought the temptations with the scripture.  How am I preparing for the next temptation in my life?

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I pray that you would help me to depend on your word daily.  Amen.

Santosh George, St. Johns MTC, NY

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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