First Sunday in Lent

Rescue me. Perhaps Jesus said it during his temptation in the wilderness. Certainly, the psalmist says it over and again in many ways. We call out to God to rescue us today, sometimes with a certainty that God will answer and other times out of desperation, hoping God will listen when it seems no one else will. As you listen to Andra Day’s “Rise Up,” let the words wash over you as a prayer and as an answer to prayer, and consider: “Where in your life are you calling out for rescue, and how might God be calling you to reach out in love to rescue your neighbor?”

Jesus returned from the Jordan River full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. 2There he was tempted for forty days by the devil. He ate nothing during those days and afterward Jesus was starving. 3The devil said to him, “Since you are God’s Son, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread.” 5Next the devil led him to a high place and showed him in a single instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6The devil said, “I will give you this whole domain and the glory of all these kingdoms. It’s been entrusted to me and I can give it to anyone I want. 7Therefore, if you will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8Jesus answered, “It’s written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” 9The devil brought him into Jerusalem and stood him at the highest point of the temple. He said to him, “Since you are God’s Son, throw yourself down from here; 10for it’s written: He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you 11and they will take you up in their hands so that you won’t hit your foot on a stone.” 12Jesus answered, “It’s been said, Don’t test the Lord your God.” 13After finishing every temptation, the devil departed from him until the next opportunity. - Luke 4:1-13