By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Star Wars

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

We’ve been watching the series of Star Wars movies at home. It’s been so cold; it gives us something to do as a family. One of the themes that seems to reoccur is the line between good and evil that’s so thin. The ‘force’ exists on the good side and the dark side, but the temptation to turn to the dark side is one of the main issues for the characters involved.

The choice between good and evil exists for us also. Jesus was tempted on occasions when He walked the Earth. All the characters in the Old Testament also were tempted and tripped during their life here. Jesus is the only person to exist on Earth who completed the journey unscathed. He was so entrenched in His mission here and only doing what the Father did that He was able to fend off Satan’s attacks.

“Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’”
Matthew 4:10 Amplified Bible

“So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.”
John 5:19 English Standard Version

“And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”
John 12:50 English Standard Version

The key to our refusing to follow the voice of Satan is to recognize and rebuke Satan’s suggestions and do only what the Father does. This takes practice and paying attention to what God is saying, but it is possible to stay on the right track.

However, it is important to realize that there is no striving or pressure. Resting in the presence of God and fostering a relationship with Him is truly the only Way to persist. As we rest and increase our relationship with him, we will learn to trust God’s ways and partner with Him in the plans He has for us.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado