Episode 162: 40 Days in the Wilderness
“Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness 40 days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels began to serve Him.” (Mark 1:12-13)
Verse twelve destroys any false teaching that a Spirit filled life is one of prosperity. The Spirit drove Jesus into the Wilderness, right into trials and hard times. Why would we expect any different treatment for us than what Jesus received?
In this passage we see a couple parallels with Jesus and two Old Testament heroes. Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days draws a parallel to Moses and his 40 days on the mountain. There were dangerous animals that could kill him. This is a parallel to Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:22). He wasn’t walking among squirrels and birds like some Disney princess. He was hungry, thirsty, and tempted by Satan when He was in His weakest moments. During this time, It also says that angels began to serve Him. Other translations say they ministered to him. Jesus didn’t begin His ministry with a beautiful building, a fat bank account, and thousands of followers. He had the Word of the Father as His provision and the Spirt as His guide.
We also see an example of what we can expect when we begin to follow Jesus. To follow Him is to travel the same path He did. We can be sure that when we decide to follow Jesus, we will be tempted by Satan and will walk among those who would do harm to us if given the chance. Where Jesus had angels to minister to Him, we have the Holy Spirit in us, guiding us, giving us strength, and comforting us. We must not get discouraged when we face trials because of our faith but rejoice in knowing we are being considered worthy to suffer the same trials that Jesus faced. For, when we rejoice in the trials, we cause those outside the faith to wonder what’s up with us and it opens the door to speak about the hope we have in Jesus.
Let us be a people who are not afraid to be led by the Spirit into the Wilderness to take on the enemy. Let us understand that we are led through the trial, not left in the middle of it. Let us live our lives in such a way that makes unbelievers doubt their disbelief!
Love Y’all! Be Blessed!
Let Us Be A People 