Word@Work Luke331 - Luke 22:39-40
Published: Fri, 04/08/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
TEMPTATION'S TRAP
Luke 22:39-40 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." (NIV)
The Last Supper had finished. Final instructions had been given, but for Jesus His normal practice of late night prayer was unchanged. The Mount of Olives was His favourite place to pray, away from the crowds on the eastern side of the city, and an easy walk to the Garden of Gethsemane. In contrast to synagogue or temple praying, this was intimate, personal and private - Jesus sharing His heart with His Father. Sometimes the disciples would accompany Him, often He was alone; but always it was time when nothing else had any claim on His time.
Perhaps the predictions at the Last Supper had disturbed the disciples. Not wanting to be alone, they followed Him as He left the Passover meal; they knew where He would go. But on this occasion Jesus knew they needed to pray too. They needed to share their hearts with God, not only for their comfort or guidance, but so that they would not fall into temptation. As with our human conversations, it is difficult to listen to somebody else when we are concentrating on another conversation. In the same way, Satan's temptations have little deceptive appeal while we are talking with our heavenly Father. The English poet and hymn-writer, William Cowper, wrote, "Satan trembles when he sees, the weakest saint upon his knees". It is still true.
Temptations (the whispered lies and devious suggestions which our sinful nature finds so attractive) thrive in a spiritual vacuum. Left to ourselves, these lies appear to be a very satisfactory way of gratifying our passions ... which is precisely why it is very dangerous to be by ourselves when Satan comes to tempt. Of course the company of other Christians does protect us from committing many sins: but most important of all is the Lord's company. As we discuss everything with Him, we start to see ourselves and every influence upon us as He sees us. Many crises might be averted by placing our lives before the Lord in prayer; because prayerlessness foolishly exposes ourselves to Satan's manipulation. However, the believer who routinely commits His way to the Lord will continue in that routine before, during and after every crisis so that Satan does not have an opportunity to take advantage of our weakness.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. Thank You for the privilege of talking to You. Forgive me when I have assumed that I can handle temptation in my own strength, for I never can. Help me to maintain a regular dialogue with You so that I am not distracted from holy living. Please help me to encourage my Christian colleagues at work to pray together for our own good, for Your blessing in our workplace and the greater glory of Jesus. In His Name. Amen.
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The Last Supper had finished. Final instructions had been given, but for Jesus His normal practice of late night prayer was unchanged. The Mount of Olives was His favourite place to pray, away from the crowds on the eastern side of the city, and an easy walk to the Garden of Gethsemane. In contrast to synagogue or temple praying, this was intimate, personal and private - Jesus sharing His heart with His Father. Sometimes the disciples would accompany Him, often He was alone; but always it was time when nothing else had any claim on His time.
Perhaps the predictions at the Last Supper had disturbed the disciples. Not wanting to be alone, they followed Him as He left the Passover meal; they knew where He would go. But on this occasion Jesus knew they needed to pray too. They needed to share their hearts with God, not only for their comfort or guidance, but so that they would not fall into temptation. As with our human conversations, it is difficult to listen to somebody else when we are concentrating on another conversation. In the same way, Satan's temptations have little deceptive appeal while we are talking with our heavenly Father. The English poet and hymn-writer, William Cowper, wrote, "Satan trembles when he sees, the weakest saint upon his knees". It is still true.
Temptations (the whispered lies and devious suggestions which our sinful nature finds so attractive) thrive in a spiritual vacuum. Left to ourselves, these lies appear to be a very satisfactory way of gratifying our passions ... which is precisely why it is very dangerous to be by ourselves when Satan comes to tempt. Of course the company of other Christians does protect us from committing many sins: but most important of all is the Lord's company. As we discuss everything with Him, we start to see ourselves and every influence upon us as He sees us. Many crises might be averted by placing our lives before the Lord in prayer; because prayerlessness foolishly exposes ourselves to Satan's manipulation. However, the believer who routinely commits His way to the Lord will continue in that routine before, during and after every crisis so that Satan does not have an opportunity to take advantage of our weakness.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. Thank You for the privilege of talking to You. Forgive me when I have assumed that I can handle temptation in my own strength, for I never can. Help me to maintain a regular dialogue with You so that I am not distracted from holy living. Please help me to encourage my Christian colleagues at work to pray together for our own good, for Your blessing in our workplace and the greater glory of Jesus. In His Name. Amen.
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