Part of the prayer Jesus taught his disciples says, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 5:13) The prayer makes me wonder why God would ever lead us into temptation. It seems contrary to God’s loving nature to set us on a path where we might stumble.
Whether it is God or someone else, there is definitely a temptation being set right in the middle of my path! It has been rumored that a Chick-Fil-A is being built at the entrance to our neighborhood in Wallace. If the rumors are true, this means that I can easily walk from my house to pick up a frozen coffee, frosted lemonade or peppermint milkshake (December only.) It means that everytime I get in my car I will drive past the tempting aromas of fried chicken and waffle fries. I am in serious trouble!
Jesus faced temptations in his life, as well. I am in no way comparing myself to Jesus, nor my temptations to his, but the Bible does say, “He was tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) Immediately following his baptism, the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where Satan confronted him with temptations. Jesus was tempted to satisfy his physical needs, to prove himself and to seize power. The cost to Jesus would have been surrendering his calling from God and his devotion to his heavenly father.
Even as an adolescent, Jesus declared his mission in life was to “be about my Father’s business.” (Luke 2:49) He never took his eyes off the goal of redeeming humanity through his sinless life and atoning death. Even though there were many opportunities to choose an easier path, Jesus never wavered, never compromised and never backed down. Once he set his face toward Jerusalem - where he would die on a cross - he never looked back.
A different translation of Matthew 5:13 says, “Keep us from sinning when we are tempted.” (NIRV) That is going to be my prayer as I drive by that new Chick-Fil-A. And I am going to post a scripture on the dashboard of my car, “Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:27)
But those peach milkshakes in the summer…..
-Dr. Jim Baldwin
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