Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days... (Luke 4:1)
I've never been to the desert, but based on geography lessons, I know that the desert is dry, blazing hot during the day, freezing cold at night, and rather barren. So why would Jesus willingly go into the desert, where there is no food or drink and the elements are severe? He went into the desert because he "was led by the Spirit." He willingly followed the Spirit.
I have to say that I haven't always followed where the Spirit is leading me. I've taken detours because I haven't wanted to deal with possible difficulties or make the potential sacrifices necessary in following the Spirit. I didn't want to give up my control over my life.
This Scripture reading is a reminder to us that if we are truly faithful to God, we will give up control, we will follow wherever Spirit leads us, despite the potential difficulties. Jesus followed the Spirit and while he suffered - sun-burned skin, blistered lips, growling stomach, great weariness - God filled him with the strength to withstand against the temptations of the devil.
When we follow the Spirit's promptings in our lives, it isn't always easy. We may be called to give up certain comforts: I need to get up off this couch, away from this TV, and go help my neighbor shovel her driveway; I can't read this great novel right now because I need to be present to my teenage daughter who needs a listening ear; I can't nap right now because I need to make a casserole for the funeral tomorrow. But I can guarantee, if we follow the Spirit, we will be energized, filled with life, overwhelmingly joyful.
Faith Chat Question: What are you doing this Lent to follow Jesus into the desert?
Faith Response: In order to follow Spirit, we need to know what Spirit is calling us to, which means we need to be quiet and listen. Each day this week, invite household members to spend at least 5 minutes of quiet each day. During your quiet time, just sit, close your eyes, become aware of your breathing, imagine your thoughts flowing down a river and out of your mind, and become conscious of the presence of God within you. As you practice quietness, you will begin to hear God whispering in your heart. Pay attention to what God is saying to you. Younger family members may not be able to sit totally quiet with eyes closed, so allow them to quietly draw pictures of God speaking to them. After your quiet time, share with one another what you felt and experienced in your time with God.
Prayer: Spirit of God, lead us where you want us to go and fill us with a burning desire to follow you no matter what. Amen.
