Prosper Your Spirit

4 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,2 where for forty days he was tempted[a]by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’[b]”

5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.”

8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’[c]”

9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here.10 For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you

to guard you carefully;

11 they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[d]”

12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[e]”

13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Luke 4:1-13

We often place Jesus in the category of God and forget that He is also borne of the flesh. Before venturing into His season of ministry at the age of 30 He was baptized and immediately went into the wilderness where He was tempted in His flesh. Although we know that God and His plans are infallible, anytime you involve a person of flesh you are at the risk of sin. Jesus understood this risk but also saw an opportunity to strengthen His Spirit. So He subjected His weakened flesh to temptation in order that His Spirit would prosper.

Our spirit is that part of us which is created in God's image. It is said that God is Spirit and He desires worshippers in spirit and truth. Therefore, we should also desire to strengthen our spirit, so that we may better relate with our Heavenly Father. This is what Jesus was able to do, when he was tempted in the wilderness. He strengthened His Spirit and the relationship with His Father.

What is the result of His strengthened Spirit? It says that Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. The Spirit was working powerfully within Him, and His flesh was not.

When we weaken that part of us which is flesh, we have the opportunity to strengthen our spirit. How can we weaken our flesh?

1. Fast regularly. When we fast, we have the opportunity to rely more on God. This might be due to our physical fatigue or hunger pains. When we are weak in our bodies, we can focus on strengthening our spirit and relational connection with God. When Jesus was with his disciples He was there physically and therefore fasting was not necessary. But after Jesus departed this world, His disciples would fast to seek out His presence and the will of our Heavenly Father. Yes, you can fast more than just food, but food is an essential part of satisfying our flesh.

2. Limit your indulgence. When you have more than enough it is difficult to limit yourself. But this is what is necessary in order to strengthen your spirit. When you eat, take only what is necessary. The same when you drink. By limiting yourself you will be more aware of what the Lord desires and you will not be lost to indulging your flesh.

3. Then celebrate. At the end of your time of fasting or your solemn sabbath, celebrate and enjoy all that God has provided. In this too God is glorified and it prevents you from having the mindset of a work-related spirituality. All that we have is from God and should be enjoyed as a blessing without dependence upon our own ability. Celebration allows us to praise God for His provision.

Father,

Thank you for all that I have and all that you provide. I do celebrate you and cheerfully praise you. In this season of celebration, may I also remember to seek you through those times of fasting and limiting my indulgence. Sharpen my hearing, quicken my heart and allow me to carry out your plans in the power of Your Spirit.

Amen