I wrote a post about this time last year called "a crafty sob" in which I posit exactly what the Collect for the first Sunday in Lent says, 1) we are assaulted by many temptations and 2) the devil knows our pressure points. As I prepare again for the story of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness I can't help but be brought back to this same thought; especially since the Genesis lesson gives it to me flat out, "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made." The devil is one crafty SOB.
What he does is so ingenious that it has been stolen lock-stock-and-barrel by the marketers of our society; they find our weak spot and attack. In the case of marketers, our weak spot is that we want to live forever; and it just so happens that Coors Light, Oil of Olay, and Cadillac can help us achieve imortality. In the case of the devil, well our weak spots vary greatly. For some it is pride - others self-loathing. For some it is contempt - others care too much. For some it is greed - well for most it is greed/envy. But believe me, the devil knows where to strike, "surely God wouldn't..."
So our prayer for Lent 1 is so apt. "Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen." As God too knows our weaknesses, may we find him mighty to save. May he be our support structure; holding us firm despite the barrage of temptations coming from all sides. Just like the gusset plate up above helps spread the loads of a truss, so too is God sure to hold us tight amidst the near constant assault of the tempter. May we know that strength, and trust it this Lent.
Image from www.garrettsbridges.com
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