The Lenten Pilgrimage - Day 4

Saturday, February 20th 

   “Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you.’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’  Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’“                                                 

                                                                                                                        Matthew 4:5-7

     If we don’t learn anything else here, let’s at least all agree that quoting the Bible doesn’t necessarily mean that a person’s heart is right with God.  Even the devil can quote scripture!

     

    Of course, Jesus is undeterred, unwavering in his resolve to do the will of God.  While the devil strategically launches Bible verses in the form of a manipulative attack, Jesus uses scripture as a shield against the devil’s best shots.

       

    The Bible can be used for ill, as well as for good. So on Day 4 in the Season of Lent, here’s a thought - Don’t be like the devil and use the Bible as a means of imposing your will on another.  Be like Jesus, and use the Bible as an anchor to keep you grounded in the face of temptation.       

Prayer

   Forgive us Lord, for any time we have used the Bible for self-serving means.  Free us from our propensity to use the Holy Scriptures as justification for un-Christ-like thoughts, words or actions.  Free us from any semblance of darkness and fill us with the fullness light.  Open our hearts to hear your word through the words of the Bible.  Enable us to embody your truth.  Empower us to be agents of your goodness and grace in the world.  Save us from sin and temptation, and make your love incarnate in us we pray.  In Jesus' name, Amen.