Daily Devotion for January 1, 2024

 

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Luke 4:1-13.

Immediately after his baptism in the Jordan River, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into a desolate, isolated place called the “wilderness” for a time of preparation. The key question to be resolved was how Jesus would use his power. Fully human and fully divine, Jesus would be faced with difficulties, trials, and huge challenges in his ministry on earth. This question on the use of his power needed to be addressed before his ministry began. In this passage, we see Jesus resist the urge or temptation to use his power to satisfy material needs, to gain political power, or to impress people with dramatic actions that tested God the Father.

At the end of this time of testing and preparation, Luke tells us that the devil left Jesus “until an opportune time.” What does this mean? It likely means that the devil would tempt Jesus again, when opportunities arose. When the Sadducees and Pharisees tried to trick him, when Jesus was arrested, certainly when he was crucified, and likely many other times, Jesus had to decide whether and how to use his power. He did that only in ways that glorified the Father because Jesus was prepared.

Personal Worship Option:

Think for a bit on whether you are ever known to fire, then get ready and aim? The penchant for action runs strong in many of us. Pray today for God’s guidance in helping you to take the time to prepare, to know God’s will, and lean on God’s strength in your challenging times.