Deserted in Desert!

Reading: Genesis 1:26-31

"By one man's disobedience many were made sinners" (Rom 5:19)

Because Adam the first man disobeyed God, all have become sinners. Because Christ the Second Adam obeyed God perfectly, we all can be made righteous before God. Adam failed even in favourable conditions, whereas Jesus overcame temptations even in adverse situations. Let's look at two aspects today—

Circumstances

Jesus was in the "wilderness" while tempted by the devil. It was a barren desert and a wasteland of rock and sand. But Adam was in the most beautiful and fruitful garden man had ever known. Jesus in the wilderness had nothing to eat whereas Adam lacked nothing. God wants us to be victorious whether we are in a green garden or a dry desert, whether in plenty or poverty. We are not to go "under" the circumstances but live "above" them.

Apostle Paul triumphantly shouts, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" (Rom 8:35-39). Here is a picture of marriage. The spouses have fallen in love with each other. They are unmindful of other things. They have promised to stand together "in health and in sickness, in prosperity and in adversity." It's a covenant relationship bound by the cords of love.

Fellowship

Jesus had no one with Him for fellowship and support. The wild animals were His company. He had to fight the temptations all alone. But Adam and Eve had each other for companionship and fellowship. They had each other's support to stand against the enemy. But they failed. Jesus overcame.

When due to some reason or other we are placed where we don't have other believers for fellowship, we are to be only extra-careful and more alert. All that we learnt in the fellowship of God's children should be put into practice while alone. Joseph was alone while tempted. There was no fellowship in the pit or palace or prison. He had to stand alone and he took sides with God and came out triumphantly. God in His providence does put His saints in solitude at times to strengthen their muscles. We cannot always be enjoying the excitement of the Mount of Transfiguration. We cannot pitch tents up there and stay back. We will have to come down to the valley of temptation to face the reality of life. We can't escape.

Walk in the light, so shalt thou know that fellowship of love
His Spirit only can bestow, who reigns in light above!
(Bernard Barton, 1784-1849, a Bank clerk)

<Forward this to a Friend>

Victory: NextJULY 21