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Thursday, February 26, 2009 |
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Are You Tempted?
By Pastor Eggebrecht @ 2:20 PM :: 240 Views :: Pastors Message
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Ah...the temptation begins again (not that it wasn't already here!). On Wednesday the Lenten season began with Ash Wednesday services. Were you tempted not to come and receive God's gifts? Did you succomb to that temptation? If so, we missed you! Are you tempted not to come to church this Sunday, the First Sunday in Lent? Will you fall to that temptation? If so, we will miss you!
The traditional readings for the Frist Sunday in Lent include the account of Jesus being tempted by the devil in the wilderness. He was tempted to "enjoy" the so-called "gifts" of the devil, rather than trusting completely in the overabundant gifts of God. As you well know, Jesus overcame each and every temptation the devil slung His way. Jesus actively overcame the devil so that His perfection could take the place of our imperfection.
At baptism, that Great Exchange took place: perfection for imperfection. And that Great Exchange continues to be given to us each week as Jesus' perfection is delivered into our ears through the Word spoken and proclaimed, and given into our mouths through bread and wine, body and blood.
It's tempting to use Sunday morning for "ourselves." But the Lord desires more than you could ever imagine to give to you out of the abundance of His gifts: His forgiveness, love, mercy, peace, healing, protection, and grace. Come and receive every Sunday in Lent, every Wednesday in Lent, and every time you have the opportunity. The gifts that are promised will certainly be given.
Pray for our church, that each and every member would regularly receive the gifts of God! Bring others to worship at Mt. Calvary, where they, too, will receive the gifts of God! Tell others about Jesus, who personally gives out the gifts of God! |
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