Lent: A Question of Worship

REFLECTION

In Jesus’ third temptation, Satan tempts Jesus with the kingdoms of the world in exchange for his worship. However, this temptation of authority and power (over) the kingdoms of the world was misguided. Jesus already had all authority in heaven and on earth. It had been given to him by the Father.

Even so, Satan tempts Jesus anyway. What Jesus experiences seems to be a prophetic example of what we would one day face in our own lives. We, too, experience the temptation to grasp power and gain authority in ways that cause us to exchange our God-given identities for the worship and servitude of that which is opposed to God.

During this season of Lent, we have the chance to search our hearts. Through prayer, fasting, and generosity, we intentionally place ourselves in a posture of humility, recognizing the ways that we have succumbed to the temptation that Jesus withstood and our need for repentance. The practice of Lent is a way to reorient our lives around the truth of our own God-given identities and to refine our understanding of authority and power in the Kingdom of God.

ACTION

Take some time to honestly reflect on the ways in which a desire for power, control, and authority over others has led us to practices and actions in the world that are opposed to the Kingdom of God and its law of love: Love of God, and love of neighbor as oneself.

So often when we feel powerless or without a voice or a sense of security we seek to try and grab hold of those things in external ways, leading to harm and violence towards others through our words, actions, or even inaction. Where are the broken relationships in our lives? Have wecontributed in some way to the brokenness? Where is there jealousy, hatred, anger, racism, or fear? What might those feelings tell us about the exchange of our God-given identity in the Kingdom of God for the worship and service to the kind of power and authority that is in opposition to the way of Jesus?

Pray and ask the Spirit of God to reveal where we need to repent and believe the good news.

PRAYER

God, we pray that when we are tempted to forfeit the realities and truths of your Kingdom for the worship and service of that which is opposed to you, that we would experience your Holy conviction. May we know it, name it and repent. May we in our hunger not feed ourselves on the systems of the world, but instead, on the truth and reality of your Kingdom. May we be rooted in our God-given beloved identities in a way that keeps the river of perfect love flowing through us, casting out all fear.

Much love,
Pastors Jaime and Jad Levi