He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan...
Mark 1:13
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God's Way is Downward Jesus' three temptations in the desert were about choosing "upward mobility." - Be relevant: do something the world will praise you for like making bread out of stones.
- Be spectacular: jump from the tower so that everybody can see you as someone so influential, so important.
- Be powerful: kneel before me and I will give you dominion over everyone and everything.
But Jesus said, "No." Because Jesus knew that God's way is not to be relevant, or spectacular, or powerful. God's way is downward. Blessed are the humble. Blessed are the poor of heart. Blessed are the peacemakers.
Here we have a self-portrait of Jesus who is also a reflection of the Father: "Who sees me sees the Father." When we read the Beatitudes, we are given an image of the face of Jesus, a face that reflects the love of the Father. Humble. Poor. Meek. Peacemaker. Thirsting for justice and peace. Full of mercy.
Jesus invites you and I to become more and more like he was: the image of God appearing in flesh among us. To follow him is our way: The way to glory.
Prayer for Today Jesus, let me abandon my fear, embrace your love, and be transformed by your grace.
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Lent Online Book Discussion Join us as we reflect on and discuss Henri Nouwen's Sabbatical Journey: The Diary of His Final Year. Facilitated by Ray Glennon, you are welcome to participate in any way that is spiritually nourishing for you. Photo of Henri Nouwen by Frank Hamilton. Used with kind permission. |
Help us extend Henri Nouwen's impact and legacy to a new generation of spiritually hungry seekers and readers.
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