Reflection and Awe Lent Series - Jesus’ 40-Day Fast in the Wilderness: Satan Tests Authority

Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:5-7 ESV)

The God we serve is all-powerful, all-knowing, always good and full of grace. He is consistent, constant, and ever-present. He is Immanuel, God with us. Yet sometimes, we may treat Him like a cosmic vending machine, a heavenly genie, coming to Him only when we need something, expecting blessings in exchange for prayers or actions, and then setting Him aside until the next crisis. 

Consider a time when you were in need and clung to a portion of Scripture, expecting God to act as you anticipated. Perhaps you tried to follow a formula: “If I do or say this, God will do that.” This flowchart approach to faith (following the right rules, methods, or traditions to get a specific result) reduces our relationship with God to mere transactions—empty religious behavior. But God doesn’t desire religion; He desires relationship. 

As earthly parents, we wouldn’t want our children to endanger themselves to prove our love and care. In the same way, God doesn’t want us to test His promises. For instance, while His grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9), this doesn’t give us license to sin or live carelessly. We can no longer live our lives in the manner that we once did, once we have experienced the freedom and unconditional overflow of His grace in us. Although His grace covers us, why would we want to push the boundaries of that?

Do we sometimes treat God’s promises as conveniences, vending what we need and taking His power and majesty for granted? When we approach faith this way, we miss the beauty of abiding in Him. Our faith becomes empty religion, focused on actions rather than relationship.

Today, let’s set aside the religious formulas and come to the person of Christ. Let’s move beyond using God as a means to an end and seek a deeper connection with Him. Reflect on His grace, not as something to exploit but as a gift to cherish. In doing so, we’ll find ourselves drawn into a fulfilling relationship with the Father who gave everything to abide with us.

Lord, forgive us for the times we’ve treated You like a vending machine, seeking Your blessings without seeking Your heart. Help us to move beyond religion and into a relationship with You. Thank You for Your grace, which is sufficient for us. Teach us to live in awe of Your love and to walk closely with You. Amen.

You can access all of the Reflection and Awe: Lent's Purpose series here.