Daily Devotion, October 4, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 4:1-2.

During the days of the lockdown in 2020, an introverted friend of mine said, with tongue in cheek, “I have lived for a time like this! I am loving my time at home and away from people, and I can’t understand why people are so upset. This is awesome!” I too enjoy some time alone, but after a while, I am ready to be with people again.

This time alone was a critical period for Jesus. He had just been baptized and was preparing to begin his ministry among the people to whom he had been sent. How would he use the powers he possessed? What kind of messiah would he be? As he reflected on these important questions, he was tempted by Satan to use those powers in ways that were not in accordance with God’s will. Jesus prepared himself to hear his heavenly Father’s guidance by fasting for forty days and forty nights (we read that as “a long time”). There would be other critical times during his ministry when Jesus would draw away to be alone with his Father. We benefit so much by being around Christian friends and family who care for us. When we are making important decisions, they help us to consider the alternatives. But there comes a time when we need to pull away and be alone with our heavenly Father, who is always there and waiting.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for the people in your life who care for you and are always happy to advise you. Give thanks also for God who loves and hears you. Know when to pull away and spend some time alone with God. Just as Jesus needed this, we need time to think and pray and to listen and hear God’s direction.