Luke 4:9-14

“Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’’ vs. 12

Jesus had already received affirmation of God’s love following his baptism. It was an experience that he could never forget–and now a voice was telling him to ask for more, just in case he’d misunderstood the first time. We know what that’s like. As humans it’s never enough to be told something once, and if our lover has said “You’re the one,” we reason that it surely wouldn’t hurt to want to hear it again. That’s even true in our relationship with God. We love being told over and over again that we are loved. But it’s a different matter when we start testing God, saying things like, “If you really love me, God, heal my friend,” or “If you really love me, Jesus, let me make this putt!” Those little tests come quickly to our minds when we need something or are in a tight spot, and they make a mockery of our faith relationship. They turn God into our servant, a kind of divine genie who we expect to respond to our every perceived need. The truth is that our relationship with God is secure, and it will never go away. We are all beloved children and no demons, sicknesses, not even death, can separate us from that love. We may or may not have our prayers answered, and we learn to live with both responses without losing faith. Our friends may die and we’ll certainly miss putts but God keeps on loving us no matter what.

Thought for the Day: When have I put God to the test?