Voices in the wilderness of Lent

As soon as Jesus was baptized, the Spirit took him into the wilderness; it was after he was faminished, in that time apart, that the voice{s} of temptation came to Jesus. On Sunday we were given the opportunity to think deeply about from where that voice came and just how it tempted Jesus. 

Because Lent invites us into wilderness wanderings, this is our opportunity to likewise consider what the voice{s} around us tempts us to believe about ourselves or about the world. We who are simultaneously saint and sinner, who live in both darkness and light. Both/and within us and all around us, but friends...which will we see? which will we believe? which will we follow? which will we be?

When that voice came to Jesus, he returned again and again to God's Word and God's Promises. That is my heartfelt encouragment to you as well, to return again and again to God's Word and God's Promises...you are beloved! you are forgiven! you are called in order to be blessed and sent! Friends, don't let any voice convince you otherwise.

Pastor Leah

{Thanks to the friend who passed along today's wisdom-picture!}