Witness

DAILY READING

Luke 4:1-13

I have never spent much time alone in the wilderness; partly because I fear what creatures larger than me I might run into, but mostly because being alone leaves behind the comfort in numbers I feel. Jesus accompanied only by the Holy Spirit set out into the wilderness to come face to face with not only the elements, but also the temptation of the Devil. I have always read this passage and thought about my lack of ability to do something that hard. 40 days alone in the wilderness? No, thank you! No food? Nope! Many times, it is easy for us to read about Jesus’ life, knowing he is our example, and think we will never be able to fully live into the calling set before us. We wander in our own wilderness feeling like we lack what we need to make it out.  

When we think about the word witness, many times we think about seeing something unfold before our very eyes. Witness also means proof or evidence of something. I look at this passage as proof that Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was able to overcome 40 days being tempted with no food. I also look at this passage as proof of the powerful gift we have been given in the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit we have been equipped to wander our wilderness not alone, but full of a guide willing to stick with us. As you learn to rely on the Holy Spirit, you will become a witness, proof to others of the power of the Spirit in our lives. 

ACTION FOR THE DAY

Today focus on how you can actively rely on the Spirit in a way in which you would usually rely on yourself. Do this knowing that your action can be proof to others of the gift of the Holy Spirit.