To be tempted by the devil....hmmm...this is hard to read and makes me think there is a misinterpretation, but, nonetheless--it took 40 days and nights before the devil could act. Which tells me that when we commune with Heavenly Father through fasting and praying, Satan has no power over you. Then, when he did tempt Jesus, he was completely shot down with each attempt. 1. We need the Word of God over all our earthly needs. 2. We need to recognize that Satan is cunning and will 'offer' us unfulfilled promises-- stand firm in Christ. 3. We need to step away from earthly power which corrupts. (Not to say we shouldn't seek political office or advancements in careers, just keep the eternal perspective.) He begins to call His Apostles. These men recognize the importance of the work of Chirst and walk away from their livelihood to serve Heavenly Father on Earth. Do we have that faith? We are asked to simply read the scriptures and pray. If we will only do those two things we will be compelled within ourselves to 'Do' righteous pursuits. This is the lesson of Christ stepping away for 40 days, we can have the same strength to recognize the difference between righteous pursuits or heeding the temptations of Satan. We may not be asked to step away from our livelihood as the Apostles were--but we are asked to 'follow Him', spreading the gospel and doing goodwill. We can set the goal to prepare ourselves for this strength by choosing to read the scriptures and praying at least once a day.
1 Comment
John, the Baptist, is introduced in this chapter. He is found in the wilderness, teaching repentance and baptising. What is repentance? That word has been so maligned over the generations, to the point of many teaching that since there is no eveil--just difference of opinion or circumstances, this part of the Lord's plan of happiness has all but vanished. Many say 'You can't judge me.' And, that is true. However, I can choose whether I would like to be a part of your world. I say that to lead to this--I was working with a videographer and producer on a music video. For one part of the video they were going to be in a night club that I probably would not be interested in if I were looking for a night out. So, he told me he wasn't going to put me in the position of choosing whether or not to do the styling and makeup for that part of the video. I respected him beyond my wildest expectations for being so considerate. Neither of us were judging the other--he just knew this would not be a place I'd enjoy myself. No feelings were hurt, no judging happening, and both of us attended our own church the following Sunday. No judging, no I'm better than you. So, where do John's teachings come into play here? What does it mean to seperate the good fruit rom the bad fruit? My friend could say because I don't want to participate in the same entertainment he does that I am a holier than thou...that's bad fruit. Or, I could say that he's participating in things I don't do so therefore he is bad...that's bad fruit. So, how do we reconcile the bad fruit and the good fruit? Easy, it's not for us to judge. John is teaching obviously to obey the commandments. When we keep that in mind, we don't get off-track and start judging. If that Church down the street preaces what you like, then you go there. If the church across the street teaches something you don't agree with, then you don't go there. And, we both can be civil to each other--that's the separation of the good fruit and the bad fruit. He goes further on the subject of baptism--a crucial part of the ordinances associated with our Heavenly Father's plan. The practice of complete immersion, then rising out of the water is symbolism. We are showing our faith in the resurrection; being buried, then arising in a new life. Over the centuries this standard has been deviated from due to different traditions and the ease of building smaller fonts in churches. However, what we need to focus on is the doctrine taught of the Resurrection and Eternal Life. Move on through the chapter comes one of the most beautiful testimonies of the Godhead. Jesus knew that he had to complete the ordinance of baptism, too. God, the Father, is heard, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." God, the Son, in the waters of baptism. And the "Baptism of Fire" could now be fulfilled as the Holy Ghost is brought forward in the form of a dove. Three separate entities, one in purpose, as preached prior to Constantine's Nicene Creed. The Holy Ghost can be our constant companion to help us know the good fruit from the bad fruit, if we allow it. |
Carolyn Bendall"After years of teaching people how to develop their 'outside' image; we realized the 'inner image' need just as much work. Let's take this journey together!" Archives
August 2022
Categories |