Last
night I dreamed I was back at my home in Atlanta. During the 1980’s the bright lights of the
city dazzled many. Subtly cloaked temptations often destroyed the integrity of
family life. Our enemy knows our soft spots and vulnerabilities. He goes about
as a predator attacking the soft underbelly of his prey. (1 Peter 5:8)
Temptation is common
to us all, while not the same as trials and testing we endure. Consider the
life of Job. “Though he slay me, yet will I
hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face." (Job 13:15)
It is not a sin to be tempted. We cannot always escape temptation of our thoughts, imaginations, choices and consequential sin. The Lord,
having endured temptation isn’t displeased with us at such times.
As we assume responsibility for our vulnerabilities
according to the Word, set aside time for prayer and remain strong in faith, we
insulate ourselves as much as possible from assault of the enemy. (Ephesians 6:16) We do not need to bear trials and temptations alone. Jesus is
our High Priest, empathetic and merciful in every way. In Him, God’s heart is dually
expressed and broken, for Jesus is both priest and victim.
For
a little while Jesus shared our human nature, to destroy the power of sin and death. (Hebrews 2:14-15) “Since
the children have flesh and blood,” Jesus willingly became one with us in every way. We
can be confident He is able to help us overcome temptation. We hold to this
life-changing truth when circumstances push us to the limits of endurance, for in a little while it will not be this way -
“Where
is the sting, tell me where is the bite,
When the grave robber comes like a thief in the night
Where is the victory, where is the prize
When the grave robber comes
And death finally dies.”
When the grave robber comes like a thief in the night
Where is the victory, where is the prize
When the grave robber comes
And death finally dies.”
(Petra – 1992)
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