Hold the Line in the Desert! · Cross the Three Temptations
⁘ “Into the wilderness for our trials. "Use your power to turn these rocks into bread! Then leap down and let the angels catch you falling. Ally with me and we shall rule these kingdoms!" Excuse me not. We abide in truth, purity and radiance.”
Then Jesus of Nazareth, having met John the Baptist,
is led into the wilderness for his trials.
Our first trial,
of needs and self-preservation.
"Then if you are the Son of Man, crowned and consummated,
use your power to turn these rocks into bread."
In our second temptation,
trials at the zenith of the temple.
"The scaffolds of heaven rest beneath you.
Then leap down!
Show the glory of how you are cared for!
"Surely the angels will catch you falling."
In our third temptation,
we are led to the highest peak,
shown every realm known to man.
"Son of Man of might, ally with me,
and together we shall rule any one of these kingdoms."
One.
Do not meddle with the order of nature to satisfy your needs.
Take what is given. Be grateful.
Two.
Do not seek to prove yourself as heaven-born.
Do not misuse the protection that comes with your abiding.
And three.
Do not seek sovereignty and dominion over the particular realms of this world.
Facing and crossing these temptations, we abide in truth, purity and radiance.