Lenten Devotion – Yield Not to Temptation, and Draw Close to God in All Circumstance
Day 35, 25 March 2024.
“And Judas went to the chief priests and the official of the temple guard to discuss with them how he might betray Jesus.” Luke 22:4
“And he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them, saying “this Is my body given for you, do this in remembrance of me. In the same way after supper, he took the cup saying “this cup is the new covenant in my blood which is poured out for you.” Luke 22:19-20
For the Jews, the Passover or the Feast of Unleavened Bread is a significant major remembrance to mark the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and when the Passover Lamb must be killed. At that time, the chief priest and scribes were envious of Jesus and sought to kill him, but they feared the people who had great respect and expectation for Jesus and His ministry. Judas Iscariot saw an opportunity to make money for himself. He went to the chief priests and agreed to betray Jesus by handing Him over to them.
In 1 Tim 6:9-10, Paul warned us against the love of money. People who want to be rich fall into temptations, traps and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. As Christians, we must be constantly beware of and not be ensnared by material greed as Judas was.
As it was the Passover, Jesus sent Peter and John to make preparations for Him to have the Passover meal with all His disciples. It was an occasion He specially set aside to commune and have fellowship with His disciples, and to encourage and strengthen them for the epic adventure ahead of them in ultimately bringing the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
During this period of Lent, let us make a special effort to draw closer to God through daily prayer and fasting. Let us reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice for us and the gift of eternal life to each of us. Let us consider how we can properly and reverently receive these, no matter the circumstance or situation we are in.
Many of you will know that Ida and I love to go on cruises. We fondly remember that during some cruises, there would be Sunday or even daily Christian services or mass on board, and sometimes organised bible study programmes. On some ships, there would even be a chapel where we can pray and have Christian fellowship. These have helped us in having the time and space to commune with God, and remind us that even within the confines of the high seas, God is always there to meet our spiritual needs.
John Chang🙏