Yeah, It’s Like That

Today’s reading (Matthew 4) feels especially appropriate for those of us who have moved to Vegas to start Verve…

I don’t know if the Spirit had led us into the desert to be tempted, but we have been led into the desert, and there is a lot of temptation here. And isn’t it interesting that we’re told that the SPIRIT led Jesus into the desert TO BE tempted. I’ve had so many Christians ask why, as a Christian, I would choose to move (and move my kids) to a place with so many temptations. Well, we learn here that, at least sometimes, that’s exactly where God wants us.

Next Jesus has to rely like crazy on God and His Word to overcome the temptations and keep His purity. For sure we need to follow His example in that.

Then Jesus announces his ministry. He says He’s come so, “the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” This is the verse I’ve been using from the beginning for why we’re starting a church on the Vegas Strip. That is exactly it. My prayer is that the people living in the darkness of the Vegas Strip will see a light far greater than the neon to which they’ve grown accustomed.

And then Jesus starts calling people to repent (turn around), to follow Him, and to invite others to become His followers, and He starts healing the sick. That’s the task we have in front of us. (Gulp.) So, get ready, get set, go…..