Jesus – full of the Holy Spirit – is led into the
wilderness. Jesus is leading a new exodus – and thus it is only fitting that it
begins in the wilderness. The Hebrews were led out of slavery into the
wilderness – their path to freedom – but they lose their way (spiritually
speaking). They are tempted and tried in the wilderness – and they turn
away from God. Jesus is tempted and tried in the wilderness but he doesn’t turn
away from God’s path. He resists the lure of self-centered use of his power for
material needs and gain. He resists the use of his authority without sacrifice.
He resists taking the easy way out.
Jesus fights off the temptations of the evil one with his
weapon. It is a weapon that can be both used for defense and attack,
a weapon that functions as a shield as well for offense, a weapon that shines
light on the situation. When I thought of these things I of course thought of a
Lightsaber.
In Star Wars Episode IV – the movie that introduced the
lightsaber to the world (when I was still a teenager!) Luke Skywalker in
introduced to this weapon of the Jedi. He first learns its defensive
capabilities, practicing warding off attacks from a training droid aboard the Millennium
Falcon. Later he learns of its awful power when Darth Vader uses it to strike
down Obi Wan Kenobi.
A Lightsaber can be used to deflect attacks from an enemy,
or to strike at that enemy, to drive the enemy back. So what weapon does Jesus in
his struggle against the devil in the wilderness that has such power and
versatility? What is it that I consider like a Lightsaber?
Jesus' Lightsaber is Scripture – Jesus uses scripture to fend
off the temptations of the devil. For every temptation attack Jesus counters
with a scripture passage – and that is enough to force the devil to try a
different approach.
What gives scripture such power? Why is it a force to be
reckoned with? I would suggest this power comes from the covenantal
relationship between God and the descendants of Abraham and Sarah. Scripture
derives its power from its ability to remember the relationship between God and
God’s people. The power of scripture is not in the words but rather in the
relationship the words point to.
But there is a danger with scripture for can also be
misused. Like any powerful tool it can be used for good of for ill. In the Star
Wars saga we learn that both the good side (the Jedi) and the dark side (the
Sith) use Lightsabers. Notice too, in the story of Jesus in the wilderness the
devil also quotes scripture – the tempter attempts to use God’s word against
God’s Son.
This should be a warning to us that not everyone who quotes
scripture is in line with God’s will. There are many who quote the Bible to
justify their judgmental attitudes, their hatred of others, their selfish and
lavish lifestyles, and so forth. The Bible in untrained hands can be
destructive and damaging.
Consider this description of the Lightsaber from a
Wookeepedia article: The lightsaber was a weapon used by the Jedi and the Sith. It was a weapon that required skill and training, and was greatly enhanced when used in conjunction with the Force.
So too does the Bible require great skill and training to
use properly. Thus the importance of hearing scripture expounded on in sermons
and explored in Bible study. I believe the best way to learn the proper use of
scripture is in a faith community – such as a Bible Study group. Group discussion allows the Spirit of God to
reveal through conversation and reflection a fuller meaning of these ancient
words.
The Apostle Paul
encourages Christians to take hold of this weapon. In his letter to the
Ephesians Paul encourages his readers to put on the whole armour of God, which
includes “the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.” (Ephesians 6:10-18) The scriptures are
like a light that brings insight into the darkness and confusion of our lives. The
scriptures can deepen our relationship with God, and it is that relationship
that will keep us from giving in to temptation.
God equipped the Apostle Paul to bring the Gospel into a
hostile world. Paul knew well how to wield the power of the Lightsaber called
Scripture. In his letter to the Romans Paul quotes scripture to give encouragement
and guidance to the Christians in Rome. These same scripture quotations I leave
with you, as a weapon against despair and fear, against temptation and struggles.
Let the light of these ancient words blaze into your world
today, sustaining you in the days and weeks to come:
“The word is near you,
in your mouth and in your heart.”
“All who have faith in
him won’t be put to shame.”
“All who call on the
Lord’s name will be saved.”
Amen.
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