As you might know, I was raised in another Christian faith tradition, the Assemblies of God. Because of that learning certain aspects of Christianity that differ from my Pentecostal upbringing came later on.

It wasn’t until my mid-twenties, after going to a Lutheran University, Valparaiso, meeting and marrying a good Lutheran girl, and finding a religious setting that worked for us both, it wasn’t until after all that when I began to understand the nuances of a mainline Protestant Christian faith.

One aspect I soon began to appreciate within our ancient traditions is the season of Lent. Instead of summarizing the death and resurrection of Christ into one or two or three days that culminates with Easter, we get six weeks to explore. Six weeks provides space for a longer arc of storytelling, a deeper dive into themes of mortality, wilderness, journey, triumph, sacrifice, new life. Themes that build, one on the other, culminating in a last supper, a cross, an empty tomb.

With Ash Wednesday’s recent reminder to –

Remember that you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.

– we now set our sights on the next theme of this season.

Bookends
Matthew 3:13 through the end of the gospel is a story in three parts.

It begins with Jesus being baptized in the Jordan. But who is this Jesus? The heavens open, a dove descends, a voice cries out, saying this is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.

This question of identity, for Jesus, is now clear.
He is the Son of God.

The story continues with Jesus entering into his purpose here on earth. Disciples are called, ministry begins. Preaching, teaching, healing kick into high gear. Life here on earth, ever so slowly, begins to better resemble heaven.

The question of purpose, for Jesus, is now clear too.
He is the savior of the world.

Between the story of Christ’s identity, and the story of Christ’s purpose, resides a third theme.

Temptation
After being baptized, and after fasting for forty days, Jesus finds himself in the wilderness. He is famished. If you’ve ever fasted for any length of time you understand.

It is in this weakened state when the tempter appears. Since you are the Son of God, the tempter says, command these stones to become bread.  With this Jesus has a choice. Will he succumb to temptation, breaking his fast early? Or will he continue along the path laid out from above? Said differently will he serve himself? Or will he serve God? One does not eat by bread alone, Jesus replies, but by every word that comes from above.

The first test is now complete.

Next the tempter takes Jesus to the top of the temple, a high place, saying Since you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. Surely you will be saved.  With this Jesus has a choice. Will he choose to test God? Or will he simply trust God? Jesus responds with certainty: do not test the Lord your God.

The second test has now passed.

Finally, the tempter took him to a high mountain, showing him everything in the world. All this could be yours, if you just worship me. It is another fork in the road. Will Jesus serve good? Or serve evil? Here Jesus almost seems annoyed, saying Away with you Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God. Serve only them.

With that the devil left.
With that the trials were complete.
Christ’s purpose, here on earth, could now begin.

The story of Jesus, told in three parts, can be summed to three words:

Identity,
Temptation,
Purpose.

These three words span the entire life of Christ.

Our Story
Our life’s journey is also a story in three parts.

Our story begins at the font, in the waters of our baptism. Here a specific claim of who and whose we are is made. Cleansed by the waters, freed from the bondage of sin, with us God is well pleased.

This question of identity, for you, is now clear.
You are a beloved Child of God.

Our story continues when we discover our purpose here on earth. We are called to serve and heal God’s creation in all its forms. With our help, and direction from above, life here, ever so slowly, begins to better resemble heaven.

The question of purpose, for you, is now clear too.
You are partners in fixing this world God so loves.

What that looks like? For each of us it is as unique as –

a fingerprint,
a snowflake,
our DNA.

Between the story of our identity and the story of our purpose, is the story of what can hold us back.

Voices
Just like Jesus we too face temptation. Often it comes in the form of fulfilling our wants and desires at the expense of God’s purpose for us. The struggle between our will, and the will of God, is real.

Consider these tempting voices.

Since you are a Child of God, why don’t you have second breakfast? Surely God wants your belly to be full. – and yes, that is totally a Lord of the Rings reference 😉.

Since you are a Child of God, why not have that third drink? Surely it must be ok to escape.

Since you are a Child of God, why not bet against the spread a fourth time? Those first three times? They led you to your next big win. Surely God must want you to be rich.

When temptation comes we too choose how to respond.

I raise these questions as someone who enjoys –

A hearty meal,
A strong drink,
An occasional Vegas trip to try the slots.

That said, it is worth considering when the temptation of excess might get in the way of God’s call on our life.

Because these too are voices we might hear:

Since you are a Child of God, why don’t you feed someone who goes without breakfast? Surely God wants their belly full.

Since you are a Child of God, why not offer heavenly, lifegiving waters to those that thirst? Surely God offers salvation to all from that which keeps us down.

Since you are a Child of God, why not give of your wealth so others have a roof over their head? Surely God must want everyone in the family to be cared for too.

For when we are asked to serve others, trusting that our needs will be met that can only be the voice of God.

Our story, told in three parts, can be summed to three words:

Identity,
Temptation,
Purpose.

These three words span our entire life.

Close
Our desire to serve ourselves, instead of our Creator, limits us. When this happens –

Remember your identity.
You are a beloved Child of God.

Remember your purpose.
You are a partner in fixing this world.

And when temptation gets in the way?

Remember your baptism.

Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?
If so, say I renounce them.

Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?
If so, say I renounce them.

Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?
If so, say I renounce them.  Amen.