Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
THURSDAY, April 22
Matthew 4:1-11. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."
The temptation story puzzles us, partly because it is told in pictorial language and partly because it seems so different from the sort of temptations that beset us.
Perhaps we can never expect to understand all that went on in our Lord's mind and soul during those days. But there is one word which helps us understand--the little word "if." "If you are the Son of God." That was the doubt that tormented him. How could he be sure that the Father had chosen him? Wasn't there some way to prove that he was right?
To a lesser degree we are tormented by the same doubt. How can we be sure that God is real or that Christ is right? Must we live by faith and not by sight? Jesus defeated the devil in the desert, but Satan returned, often, to the attack. While Jesus hung on the cross, the chief priest repeated the tempter's phrase, "If you are the Son of God..." (1949)
PRAY for the Diocese of Central Melanesia (Melanesia)
Ps 37:1-18 * 37:19-42; Exodus 20:1-21; Colossians 1:24-2:7
A Meditation for Pentecost
New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!
Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.
Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!
Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!
Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!
Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
