“The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ~Matthew 4:3
This week is the third week of Lent and this week we will be discussing “hunger.” Specifically, Jesus had been drive into the wilderness by the Spirit and Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights, it was at this time the tempter comes and begins speaking to Jesus. The tempter (Satan) knows that Jesus is hunger, thirsty and in a weakened stage but also knows he is not a mere mortal. He says to Jesus, turn those stones into bread, knowing full well that Jesus has the power to do so. And Jesus replies, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ~Matthew 4:4. Satan, does not give up easily, he continues his tempting by suggesting Jesus throw himself off a cliff to be saved by angels and to bow down to Satan himself. Jesus responds very adamantly, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” And, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” ~Matthew 4:7 & 10. Jesus reminds us that the sustainability of life is not solely obtained through bread (food); we are to place our faith in God, not demand proof of His might and power through testing Him, we are to trust in the Word of God and lastly that we are to worship God only, the maker and creator of all things. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ~Romans 8:28
The question from the author for today is: “What are the human-made causes of hunger in the world today?” And, “How might you be called to resist those factors?”
My experiences show me that hunger exists in our world on a daily basis and it is more than food and nutrition. People are hungry for acceptance, for knowledge, power, a voice, hungry for safety and security etc. the list is so long, and I have mentioned only a few. The list of hunger items may be long; however, the solution and healing is found in just one word, JESUS! When you are overwhelmed and you don’t know what to do or say, just say JESUS!
Breath Prayer: Jesus, hear our cries of hunger today.
~Blessings and Peace~
References:
https://www.biblegateway.com
http://www.abingdonpress.com
(The Sanctuary For Lent 2018 by Katie Z. Dawson
Full Lyrics – Forty Days and Forty Nights
By: George Hunt Smyttan (1822-1870)
1 Forty days and forty nights
you were fasting in the wild;
forty days and forty nights
tempted, and yet undefiled.
2 Shall not we your sorrow share
and from worldly joys abstain,
fasting with unceasing prayer,
strong with you to suffer pain?
3 Then if Satan on us press,
flesh or spirit to assail,
victor in the wilderness,
grant that we not faint nor fail!
4 So shall we have peace divine:
holier gladness ours shall be;
round us, too, shall angels shine,
such as served you faithfully.
5 Keep, O keep us, Savior dear,
ever constant by your side,
that with you we may appear
at the eternal Eastertide.
HOPE SEEKER 