The journey of Christ in the wilderness was a time of testing and a time of discipline. Jesus’ first challenge by Satan was a “test of the flesh,” a challenge of self identity and physical comfort. Satan challenged Jesus to prove who he was by demonstrating his ability to satisfy his own physical hunger. Jesus’ response was to remind the evil one that humankind is more than physical need and ability.How do we follow Jesus’ example in breaking the physical bonds by which we identify so strongly? Two ways are fasting and anonymous giving. One helps us break the strong draw of our physical appetite by intentionally depriving ourselves of physical comfort; the other helps us break the lure of self-prowess by selflessly, and quietly giving away those things that we hold dear.
Both of these disciplines help us recognize what it means—and feels like – to depend on God’s Providence.
Book suggestion: The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting Ancient Spiritual Practices, Evangelism, and Justice' by Tony Campoloa & Mary Albert Darling
2 comments:
Both are tough - fasting especially. Even more so on an ongoing basis.
Greg
Robyn thank you for always encourging and reminding us about fasting. I am finally working with God on this. Defintely hard.
Theresa
Post a Comment