40 Thoughts: Day 6

Luke 4:1-4

"Jesus returned from the Jordan full of the Holy Spirit and was led by the Spirit into the desert, where he was tempted by the Devil for forty days. In all that time he ate nothing, so that he was hungry when it was over. The Devil said to him, "if you are God's Son, order this stone to turn into bread." But Jesus answered, "The scripture says, 'Human beings cannot live on bread alone'."

Like we talked about yesterday, Jesus was hungry, really hungry, after his forty day fast. So what would it harm if he turned some stone into a loaf of bread? Providing for himself couldn't be a sin, right? But Jesus doesn't do that. His response to the Devil is priceless. In essence he says to the Devil "I don't need that."

He doesn't need the bread, not because he's Jesus, and he's divine, and therefore doesn't have to eat to survive, e doesn't need it because he knows the Father will provide for him. Later in Luke's Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples never to worry about food or clothing or other material things. He says, "Instead, be concerned with his Kingdom, and he will provide you with these things." (12:31)

We search after material things to bring us happiness. We want food to feel full, we want money to buy pretty clothes and loud music, and cute shoes, and cool video games, and comfortable couches, and big posters, and the list goes on and on. We want conveniences, and we want the newest technology as fast as we can save enough of our paychecks. It wouldn't be surprising to find Jesus up in Heaven laughing at us.

Lent is a time to step back and evaluate what material items we're chasing to find happiness. It's a time to ask ourselves why we chase every little thing and ignore God who wants us to find the complete peace and joy that only he can provide.

Don't stop eating this Lent. God provides food for you to keep your body and mind healthy and strong. But next time you feel drained and tired, or angry and sad, and what you want is to watch some mind numbing television, eat a pound of chocolate, vent on Facebook, or drown your emotions in mac and cheese and double fudge ice cream, choose to turn to God in prayer instead. Trust him to turn your heart around. And remember that he's all you need to live on.