Where the Spirit Leads

March 27, 2020

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Luke 4:1-2 NLT

One of the big debates in Christian circles surrounds questions like these: Does God send bad things to people? Why would God let something hard happen to me? Didn’t God say He has no part in evil?

Those are interesting questions, and some pretty intense arguments arise over what people think. I think, however, it is safe to say that Jesus was closer to the Father and more in tune with the Holy Spirit than any of us. His life and experiences have much to say that can help us.

Luke tells us that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in an unforgettable experience for anyone who witnessed it. He was in the river, and when He came up from the baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove, and God’s voice was heard from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son. I am well pleased with Him!” Can you imagine the high, the sheer joy of that moment? But then Luke tells us that Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.

The wilderness is a bleak and lonely place. I was recently there when I was in Israel. They call it the Mount of Temptation. It is very hot, rocky, steep, and far away from any sign of life. It’s a rough place to be for a short period of time, let alone for forty days with no food. But the facts are, Jesus was led there, and led by the Holy Spirit. This was not the devil’s doing, even though the devil tempted and tested Him for forty days. God let Him be in this place to strengthen Him and make Him ready for the future.

In those forty days, the Holy Spirit was with Him. Jesus relied on His faith in God, His Father, and He turned to the Word of God. He not only defeated the biggest, most audacious temptations the devil could present, but when it was over, the devil gave up and left. The next verses tell us two important facts: The devil didn’t leave Him forever. He only left until he had another opportunity (4:13). That’s an important reason to stay filled. Then we read that Jesus left and started His ministry with great power, filled with the Holy Spirit, and reports about Him spread everywhere.

Sometimes the Holy Spirit will lead us into places that are challenging and difficult, but He will be with us. We can face any challenge, and even the devil, in that power.

• Holy Spirit help me trust You when my days are difficult and help me to grow through them. Help me emerge more mature and stronger in You and with a greater ministry than ever before. I surrender to You in faith. Amen.