Temptation and Wilderness- Part 1

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Focus: Wilderness and Temptation- Part 1

There are two things that we are facing these days, as our humanity is tested: wilderness and temptation. Times of wilderness interrupt life; a cancer diagnosis, the death of a loved one, losing a job. The wilderness is just that-- wild, untamed, scary. 

The Covid-19 pandemic is a wilderness that most of us have never experienced, individually or collectively. As of the writing of this, there have been over 207,000 positive cases, in more than 160 countries and territories, leading to more than 8,600 deaths. There has not been a positive case in Southern Illinois, at least not yet. For many, this is a time of fear and anxiety; toilet paper shelves are empty, bread is missing from the shelves, and we don't know when people in our community will be directly affected. 

God is no stranger to the wilderness. The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness. God walks with us through this wilderness. God is a God of calm among storms, unity where there is division, and hope where there is despair. It can be hard to see God in the empty store aisles. It can be hard to hear God among the panicked voices. But God is there.

The challenge, brothers and sisters in Christ, is to see God at work. Many of us have been told to stay home. Some of us have that luxury, others do not. In this time of the unknown, trust in this; God loves you. Whether you are an anxious ball of energy or a calm, cool, and collected person, God loves you. God accompanies us through the wilderness, whether we know it or not. God will be with us in the days and weeks ahead. Let us to acknowledge fear, but not let it control us.

As we move through the wilderness together, let us keep physically distanced, but spiritually close. Pray. Read the Bible. Check in on your neighbor. Enjoy the budding trees and the singing birds. I am not sure how often Eastern Bluebirds come to visit the church, but in the last 4 days, I have seen two. I have noticed the buds on the trees. Song. New life. There is beauty, even in the wilderness.

Song: Jesus Is a Rock in a Weary Land (ELW #333)

Prayer: Holy God- thank you for creating us to live in community with you and with one another. Send your Holy Spirit to us in this wilderness time; bring peace, joy, and healing that only you can provide. We pray this in name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

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