Holy Spirit Power

 

New Testament reading is Luke 4.1-2a Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, ² where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.”

Luke tells us after Jesus was baptized, he was full of the Holy Spirit when he returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil" (vv. 1-2a). Notice that just as Israel had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, Jesus wanders in the wilderness for 40 days, one day for each year (Numbers 14:33-34; Joshua 5:6). However, the difference is that Jesus, unlike Israel, is led by the Spirit and remains faithful. 

We also notice a similar analogy between Jesus and the first couple. Whereas Adam and Eve gave in to the tempter's invitation to order the world as they see fit (Genesis 3:1-7), Jesus, on the other hand, does not. Instead, each satanic inducement is negated.

It is also important to note that Jesus' 40-day fast left him exhausted and virtually, if not actually, deprived of all his physical resources. In short, his flesh and Spirit were fully exposed, leaving him vulnerable to the devil's assaults. Weakened and vulnerable but Jesus was not without resources. Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, withstood the devil's initial attack, which prepared him for his ministry and the final assault when the devil returned at "an opportune time" three years later (vv. 4:13 & 22:3-6).

I have heard individuals say, 'I am not Jesus,' as an excuse for some failure in judgment throughout my ministry. Indeed, we are not Jesus, but the same Jesus who the Holy Spirit empowered to withstand the devil's attacks; guides and strengthens all who genuinely seek God.     

Something to Ponder on the Lord's Day!