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

Matthew 4 : 1 - 3

This week’s reading : Matthew 4 : 1 - 11

Thought for the week

There are many kinds of wilderness in our world today. Wilderness caused by climate change, or warfare. By injustice and oppression. In our own lives wilderness can come through loneliness, financial issues. Grief or regret.

Jesus went into the wilderness. The place of greatest challenge and trial. A place where all human support is lacking. Where we are all called to find our inner hope, and to know who we can truly turn to for strength.

Not only was Jesus tempted just as we are, and overcame. His victory came through the Word given to us by our heavenly Father. The gift of the Scriptures for our challenges each day. If Jesus relied on the Bible for strength, how much more do we need to!

Jesus entered the wilderness and overcame. He turned despair into hope, and temptation into triumph. It was the beginning of His long journey to the Cross, the way of sacrifice, of finding strength in the love of the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is our Lord who has transformed despair into hope. I pray we may know that hope, whatever our wilderness may be.

Rev Paul

Prayer for today

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Amen

God, you know better than we the temptations that will bring us down.
Grant that our love for you may protect us from all foolish and corrupt desire.
Praise to you our God; you answer prayer.
Amen.

(From New Zealand Prayer Book)