I have a confession to make. I’m not a good dancer. I can fake my way through a country 2-step, but otherwise, it’s pathetic. Even to some kind of free style with a rock song, it looks like I’m having a conniption.
Maybe you can waltz your way across the dance floor as if you are gliding on a cloud. You have my admiration. The one thing I do remember about the waltz, it flows through a 3-step rhythm. 1-2-3. 1-2-3.
Keep that in mind as we dance our way with Jesus and His ordeal in the wilderness. 1-2-3. 1-2-3. “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert… (Luke 4:1)” His ordeal illustrates our lives of faith. It’s laid out for us. Step 1 – Baptism. Step 2 – Struggle (test). Step 3 – Respite.
Step 1 – Baptism. Just previous to His wilderness experience Jesus was baptized.
Our lives of faith begin with our baptism. Tied to Jesus’ baptism; He died for you and rose from the grave from you. You are rescued from death and the devil, and given eternal salvation.
Your baptismal identity implies newness of life. The old is gone. The new has come. You are now caught up with Jesus. By the Spirit of truth you live in loving unity with other believers, and in loving service to all.
Now Step 2 – Struggle. Destiny is not something we accomplish. It is what we reflect. It’s not a measure of our competence. It’s a measure of our character. And, whose character does God intend to form in us? You guessed it. Jesus.
Our heavenly Father intends that we reflect His love, His power, His patience, His joy, but – through struggle. The second step we take isn’t an easy one. “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him…” (Philippians 1:29) The second step comes with a groan or a wince of pain.
That’s where the testing comes in. The second step in our lives of faith is a struggling step. God chooses to temper us to be stronger. It’s easy to follow Jesus when the consolation of His grace is easily felt, but what happens when it’s no longer present?
The second step of our dance of faith also brings us face to face with an accuser. A liar. A tempter. When our faith is challenged, when illness comes knocking, when conflict is felt, and when security is threatened – the spiritual forces of evil will tempt us to question God’s Word, doubt His promise, disregard vows, and worry.
But, be free and victorious by the presence of the Holy Spirit. When the accuser reminds you of your failures, remind him of his future. His failure is as certain as your forgiveness and salvation.
The second step of faith is the struggle, but it will come to pass. Whenever a trial comes, it doesn’t stay long. It comes to pass. Then Step 3 – Respite.
If a respite is a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant, when did Jesus enjoy after it His 40 days of fasting and being tempted by the devil? “Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended Him (Matthew 3:11).” After His ordeal, Jesus was waited upon by angels. He was able to recoup, recover, and rest.
In our respite, we enjoy the consolation of God’s grace. It was always there, but now we feel it. That’s the icing of God’s gift to us. Unwind and know, unwind and feel that all is all right, because your Savior is present. You struggled with the trouble, but Jesus overcame all that trouble, for you. Here is rest to your weariness.
And, this third step has one foot in heaven. Every Sunday points us to our eternal joy, rest and peace with Him forever. So, dance like no one is watching.
Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen. •
— By Pastor Neil Stern
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
Leduc. AB