In facing Satan's temptation to turn stones into bread, Jesus also faced the temptation of control. Beneath the physical hunger temptation was the deeper issue of control, and who is in control. We draw strength from Jesus who overcame all temptation and the source behind them: Satan.
Jesus redefines power at the cross. A symbol of powerlessness, torture and humiliation has been transformed into a symbol of victory and hope. The power of Christ's redeeming love shines through the cross, and through us, to the world.
The world is looking to see the love of Christ in the lives of people who belong to Christ. These are things that people cannot be coerced or forced into doing, but spring up from hearts that have received Christ's love. This is love in action.
Paul the apostle carred a holy burden for his own people, that their eyes would be opened to the grace and truth of salvation in Jesus Christ. Paul's heart-felt concern was such that he himself was willing to be cut off from Christ if this would help open their eyes. And yet this holy burden is nothing compared to the burden that Jesus carried for each one of us - the burden of our sin and disobedience. Jesus carried that to the cross and bore it in our behalf.
In the midst of problems and challenges all around us that have the potential to separate us from God and one another? Where do we find our security? The Word of God tells us that nothing