Tested

Genesis 9-11; Luke 4 

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left 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.”

Luke 4:1, 2

Jesus, God’s Son, was tested by the Father who used the devil to tempt him. It was the Spirit who led Jesus into his wilderness testing.

Do we recognize the Father’s testing of us?

Abraham was tested and asked to sacrifice his son. Joseph was tested when he was sold into slavery by his brothers. David was tested when he was living as a fugitive from Saul. The Father tests his children so he can promote them to new levels of authority and responsibility. When we pass our tests, we move on to the next classroom. If we fail, we must take that class and test again. Those who pass the Father’s tests can be trusted. Jesus was tested in his dependence on the Father (his daily bread), use of authority, and use of spiritual gifts. Rather than submit to the Father’s testing, some put God to the test.

How are we responding to God’s tests in our lives?

“Father God, I willingly submit to your test and trust your will and way in my life, for your glory.”