Mama said

My mama used to tell me stories of days gone by and as much as I loved hearing them, I inherently knew there was more depth to her retelling.  A depth she wanted me to know, and experience, and apply to my life.  And she wanted me to find these truths on my own.  Unfortunately, much of her insight was lost on me until after she passed away.  But today, 12 years after her death, I hear her voice in my memory, and I understand her wisdom a bit more.  As such, I hold her words very close.

And so, I believe are the stories from the Bible. God longs for us to study and find truths on our own.

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”     Matthew 4:5-10

Tim Keller (September 23, 1950 – May 19, 2023) was an American Presbyterian pastor, Reformed theologian, and Christian apologist) summarizes these two temptations as:

•Using God (Presumption): Temptation to test God's love and authority for personal assurance or show. 

•Rejecting God (Power): Temptation to achieve ultimate, rightful authority through shortcut and compromise rather than the Cross.

The obvious question seems to be, do I presume with God? Do I test His love and authority for my own gain?  Do I place myself on the highest point of the temple?  Does my spiritual pride puff me up only to then question or presume when life doesn't go my way?

Or do I bow to the temptation of power?  The temptation of being considered important and respected by peers.  Do I crave the attention from the world?  Would I rather juggle all my blessings, and count them one by one or would I rather bow down and give them all away to know Him more?

If we step into this scripture and apply the words to our lives, what would be your 'highest point' and your temptation of power?  Would it be your children?  Would it be your achievements?  Your investment account?  Would it be your attitude of self-assurance?

My mama was a humble woman.  She was raised by parents who farmed and had little.  Her marriage to my father was one of love and struggle.  Mama was loved, she was a hard worker, she lived with physical pain, emotional pain, longing, and at times, fear.  But she never put herself at the 'highest point'.  She never longed for power but bowed to the one who saw her and loved her and gave all for her.

My musings and thoughts are for your pondering.  I am not a theologian but a simply a woman who likes to think and read the Bible in a search for wisdom.  And, I believe that God loves our searching.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.