REMEMBER: Hebrews 4:12 | For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Matthew 4:1-11 | Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
DAILY THOUGHT: OBEDIENT LISTENING
We listen to God so that we can be more faithful in our walk with God during the day. Listening to God needs to lead us into obedience. This is what happened for Jesus in his desert experience and what must happen for us in our “desert space”. When we have heard God speaking to us, we have more to give to others, often in very practical ways, in our homes and at work or in the wider community. The more we receive in listening prayer, the more we have to give in our active lives. Or, we could say that we retreat to listen to God so that we can advance in our obedience to God in the world.
DAILY PRACTICE:
Follow the rhythm of yesterday. After making your daily prayer request, meditate again on the temptation story of Jesus (Matthew 4:1–11). This time picture the scene in your imagination, using all your senses and imagine yourself talking with Jesus about his experience. Is there a particular image of the story that captures your attention? What do you think the Lord may be saying to you? What would you like to say to him?
Let the Word of God live actively in your life… Take a deeper look at the reading.