“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love the Lord.”

Romans 8:28 ( NAS )

While Jesus was here on earth, His mission was to reveal the nature of His Father, God, by His words and His actions. During the 40 days in the wilderness when He was preparing to begin His ministry, He was tempted three times by Satan.

Satan first tempted Him to satisfy His physical hunger. Jesus responded , “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” ( Deut.8:3) During the Lenten season one of the ways that we can share in Christ's temptation is to deny ourselves some favorite food, each time remembering the sacrifice Christ made for us.

The second temptation by Satan challenged Jesus, while on the pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem, to cast Himself down. Again Jesus rebuked Satan, “ He will give His angels charge concerning you, and on their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” (Ps. 91:11-12) Jesus was challenged to show His power and protect His personal being . We too can rebuke Satan when he challenges us to give in to some worldly pleasure or to “show-off” our gifts and talents given to us by God.

Finally Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, telling Him that he would give them all to him if he bowed down and worshipped him. Jesus rebuked him by stating “Begone Satan! You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” (Deut. 6:13) When Satan tempts us this Lenten season with all the things of the world (money, power, prestige, etc.) we, like Jesus, can turn to the Word for direction and power.

By overcoming all these temptations, Jesus was prepared to begin His ministry on earth. We can continue to fulfill this mission by placing God's Word in the hands and hearts of those who have never heard it.

Remember and honor someone today by placing a Bible in his or her name. God's Word will never return unto Him void, but will accomplish that which He purposes. What a wonderful way to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

JACK LEWIS