CRAMMING FOR A TEST (Matthew 4)

Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of. (Matthew 4:2-3, The Message)

I've taken lots and lots of tests on my way to a master's degree. The longer I stayed in school, the longer I procrastinated preparing for the test. I spent a few all-nighters writing term papers, but I never stayed up all night studying.

I never spent forty days preparing for a test.

When I needed to concentrate, I went to the library for peace and quiet.

I never traveled to a deserted patch of real estate, devoid of people or anything to eat.

And I certainly never skipped a meal in order to prepare. I just drank more coffee.

That's what Jesus did, driven into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, alone, and choosing not to eat whatever was available. He stayed there for forty days.

I've heard that 40 days is the limit people can go without eating. The first season of Survivor, they showcased the physical trauma the contestants endured. The effects of starvation, as I remember, were hair falling out, stomach bugs, difficulty with the bathroom.

That is the kind of preparation Jesus chose for His test. I've also heard that fasting focuses the mind. After forty days, I would probably be delirious.

If that is the kind of preparation Jesus endured for His tests, what does God expect of us?

Perhaps it's just this: He puts us in a position of weakness, for when we weak, then we are strong. The weaker the vessel, the more God shines.

So when you feel like trials hit you when you're at your lowest point--you're in good company.

P.S. If you'd like to read a short story about the Temptation, check out "The Ultimate Survivor" at ww.heartlight.org/articles/200202/20020202_survivor.html


www.heartlight.org/articles/200202/20020202_survivor.html

JOSEPH TAKES CENTER STAGE (Matthew 1)

Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.

Disappointment. . .failure. . .humiliation. All three of those emotions visit me, during the ups and downs of Christmas and on into the crushing deadness of January, "cold within and without." (One of my favorite opening lines, from Bolt by Dick Francis)

Disappointed . . .because no matter how much I tell myself that I can't expect anything for Christmas, because my remaining family, Jaran's family, celebrates Hanukkah instead, my heart wants more. Disappointed when the few things within my control go wrong.

Failed. . .when my plans fall through, for buying and giving presents, for sending cards, for going to church or having my daily quiet time or any of a dozen projects.

Humiliated? When my family comes and I'm in bed, undressed. When I wait too long or can't get away and soil myself. . .

All of those are true but none of my reasons comes close to what Joseph must have felt when he learned his betrothed was pregnant. With someone else's child.

In the kind of quiet and strong goodness Joseph exhibits over and over, he doesn't go public with his pain. He doesn't seek to judge Mary. He does decide to end the betrothal. And when God tells him to marry her, in spite of the pregnancy, he doesn't hesitate. In spite of all the public humiliation which would come their way. In spite of the gossip which was bound to peg him as the baby's father.

Joseph. Chagrined I understand. Noble I strive for.