A Daily Devotion for Monday, August 9

Luke 4: 1-2

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

What am I to learn from this episode in Jesus’ life? Why did the Holy Spirit lead him into the desert? First, I think I need to see how very strong the temptation likely was for Jesus to fall under the power of Satan. He had not eaten or had proper shelter for forty days. The human part of him must have been tempted. But he knew his Father, and knew there was a divine reason for this time in his life. So he endured. The difference for me is it is never quite so clear. My relationship with the Father is something which requires constant attention, and sometimes wavers. Jesus was perfect, without sin. I cannot do so well. But I have the ideal, the perfect example, in my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Holy Father, you have given me so much guidance, such a divine and perfect example of how to live a good and pure life. May I always look to the example you sent, Jesus, for a living image of “how to do life.” Amen

Becky, transforming