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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 19, 2007 Testing |
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Frontline Devotion for Monday, February 19, 2007 by Anne B. Crawford
Luke 4: 9-13: Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” ’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’ When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Is there anything more tempting to a child than to hear the words “don’t do that!” uttered by a parent or other person in authority? Regardless of how well intentioned the warning is, children are tempted to disobey. They want to test the limits. ‘Why can’t I eat all the cookies I want?’ ‘What will happen if I put my hand on the hot stove?’ ‘When will I be old enough or big enough or smart enough to cross the street by myself?’
Part of growing up is testing our limits – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But there is testing our limits and then there is willful defiance that aims to test God’s limits, which is sin, because it attempts to put us in control of God, rather than being faithful to God’s control of our lives.
Our church is about to undergo a major building renovation project to build a new sanctuary and office spaces and turn our current sanctuary into fellowship space. Construction (beginning with some pretty heavy duty destruction) will begin in just a few months. It will be a time of testing for us – both corporately and individually – that will seek to control us with inconveniences and disruptions. It will probe the limits of our patience with construction mess, and one another as we experience a time (at least a year and a half) of constant changes. During this time (and all times, really) rest assured that God is present and his promises are sure. We need to be mindful that as circumstances test us, we do not fall into the trap of turning around and testing (i.e., sinning against) God in our frustration and desire to gain control in a time of upheaval. There should be no doubt that His faithfulness endures.
Faithful and loving God, help us to remember always that your promises are sure. Guard us from the temptation to put you to the test when we are feeling out of control. Amen.
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