Devotion:
Read Matthew 6:13-15.
“Lead us not into temptation…” is a phrase of this prayer that has often troubled Christians. Does God really lead us to be tempted? I am immediately reminded of an earlier part of the story about Jesus’ life and ministry where he is led by the Holy Spirit into a time of temptation (4:1). It was a time that helped him focus on what shape his ministry would take and his allegiance to his heavenly Father. Also, the meaning of the word usually translated as “temptation” here is more about testing or a time of trial than what we usually think of when we think of temptation.
For me, the key to understanding this verse is to take it as a whole. Often in the Scriptures, especially in the Psalms and Proverbs, two lines are put together, so that they are saying the same thing in different ways. I believe that is at least part of what is happening here. “...but deliver us from the evil one” is very much connected to the first part of the sentence.
For all of us at various points of our lives, there come “turning-point” opportunities, times when we are tested and tried (and in some ways tempted) in order to decide which way we are going to go. None of us really want to face those times, but the main thing to remember is our need to place our dependence on God to guide us or deliver us in those times. If you try to deal with them on your own, chances are good you will fail. But with God as your guide, you will be delivered. Thanks be to God!
Personal Worship Option:
Are you facing a time of testing right now? Do you know someone else who is? Pray for God’s guidance, both for yourself and for wisdom to help others.
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