Preparation



Mat 4:1  Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to 

	give it. 
	
Mat 4:2  Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of 

	course, in a state of extreme hunger, 


	Living in America there is a great opportunity available for all that will make this 

opportunity their own. Each person has the same potential in each day with the difference 

being only in choices made to prepare for that day. Our success in life is like a big test for 

which we must continually prepare. I was privileged to go to college, and, in attempting to 

succeed in my studies, found that, way more than high school, it took much time and effort 

to prepare for many of the tests. Normally there was a detailed description of the course 

study and the test dates, and on the very first day everything was made available so that 

preparations could be made for success in the course. On the first day everyone was in the 

same position, with the opportunity for perfect scores equally possible for all. From that 

point on, however, preparation would be the main element in any hope of success. In this 

place, where a concentrated focus was required to complete the education respectfully, there 

were also many activities from which one could find great motivation to do something 

besides study. Parties were always going on to fulfill any social passions, and there were 

plenty of sporting events to attend or in which to participate. While the main purpose of the 

school's existence was education, quite often it could appear to be something more like 

partying and event-going. Actually, participating in some of these other things could be a 

healthy way to bring some relief from pressures of the studies, but they could also easily 

divert one from studies altogether. Choices were daily being made whether to prepare for 

success or follow after fun and excitement. 

	From the point that we choose to make Jesus the Lord of our life, we are each given 

the same opportunity to complete our course with perfection. We are given a course 

description and access to all the necessary exercises that will insure our success. If we will 

but take the time to read and act on what is available to us there will be no possibility of 

failure. If, however, like many of the students in college, we become completely diverted in 

our focus, allowing neglect of these things, failure is insured. We are continually making the 

choice of pursuing a desire to know and serve Jesus or to follow a passion for worldly things. 

There will definitely be trials and tests that we will have to take, and sometimes they may be 

extreme in their difficulty, but there is great assurance of success when attention is given to 

the necessary preparation. 

	From this passage in Matthew we are given an example in how Jesus prepared for 

the great tests of temptation that satan would give Him. One might think that He would 

need to make sure He was well fed and built up in confidence from hanging out with those 

who loved Him. You would think that His belly would need to be full and His ego and 

confidence well nourished going into this time of testing. For Jesus, however, there was a 

preparation that required complete removal from diversions of the flesh altogether. In order 

to clearly see who He was and respond correctly to the temptations presented He would 

have to be singly  focused on passion for His Father's presence and purpose, without 

possibility of any other motivational draws. These tests would actually be part of His 

preparation for the ultimate test of the cross. He became greatly skilled at keeping His focus 

on the joy that was set before Him and not allowing the difficulty of the trial to become His 

focus. There was much prior preparation given to knowing the Word and its truth and 

wisdom and, as the focus of His passion was given to pursuing His Father's will there was a 

natural drawing on this knowledge that kept Him from following any other diversion. 

	Whether or not we are fully aware of it, there is preparation being made in every 

moment of each day for either success or failure in the tests that will come. While enjoyment 

of life will include gratifying other things of the flesh, there is required in us a learning of 

how to let the focus on His presence become the greatest passion of all. Jesus knew how to 

go to a party and have a good time with friends and family, but He also knew that there was 

a very essential preparation that required His attention. In being totally consumed with the 

worship of His Father He was preparing for more than His success alone, but in completing 

His own course with perfection, He made the way for many to follow. Our purpose is much 

greater than personal success and the preparation we give ourselves to in worship will 

enable many others to see the way to Jesus through our focused vision on Him. 


	
3/2/04