In about 1400, B.C., the walls of Jericho fell.
Today, a literal stone’s throw from the ruins of ancient Jericho stands the Mount of Temptation Restaurant. Think grilled kabobs, squishy-soft pita, Mediterranean salads, and fresh knafeh—the ultimate Arabian spun pastry. Given the vast edible spread, there’s no shortage of temptation from a diet perspective.
Of course, the temptation the restaurant is named for is that of Jesus, who spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by the devil—and yet did not sin.
Like any self-respecting tourist destination, the restaurant also features a gargantuan gift shop. As you enter this modern oasis, you are handed a coupon promising a 10% discount off anything in the store. How could one resist?
Staring at the coupon, I chuckled at the typo describing this place as Jericho’s most memorable “experince.” I also smiled at the mention of their website: temptationcenter.com.
Can I be transparent with you? When it comes to battling my sin nature, I don’t need a ten percent off coupon. Or an invitation to visit a “temptation center.”
Some days, I feel like I am my own temptation center! I am tempted to:
- Doubt my faith
- Skimp on prayer
- Waste my time
- Judge a friend
- Bend the truth.
In short, I am tempted to indulge my eyes, my stomach, my mind—my everything! But should this be surprising?
Puritan Thomas Watson declared, “We have a storehouse of corruption within, and the least thing will increase this storehouse. Therefore, it is dangerous mingling ourselves among the wicked.”
Consider that when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, Christ’s model prayer included the request, “Lead us not into temptation.” If it were a minor issue, temptation would not have been highlighted.
Maybe, like me, that’s a reminder you need today. Temptation—your very personal, very next temptation—is just around the corner.
Lord,
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Amen!
