As christians, our choices for the gospel usher us into such places, places of insecurity and fear. How we confront them speaks to our conceptions of God - controlling / distant or relational and incarnate.
We left home surrounded by friends, family and love. It was a time of sorrow, yet of great euphoria.
After Jesus wonderful baptism, the Spirit led him into the desert where he was visited by strange wild animals (Mark 1:13). I am meeting some strange "wild animals" in my thought life right now.
It is very interesting to see what is emerging for me in the midst of this chaos.
It is the temptation to seek security and comfort in the little things, like buying an extra singlet or pair of shorts to make it easier to live out of a box.
It would be easy to despair, but here we are, in the chaos, desperately trying to not give into the temptations.
It is worth examining the nature of what Jesus was tempted by in the desert. They are the "Archetypal Religious Confrontations" – power, comfort, security, prestige and possessions. The greek word used for temptation is the same word Jesus uses with the sleeping disciples at his trial and they are the temptations I am feeling right now.
How interesting!
4 responses so far ↓
1 Sharm B // Jan 29, 2007 at 11:24 pm
Hey there bro,
Reading your blog brings me comfort and also closer to you guys all the way over there. I just finished reading Rohr’s “Everything Belongs” and loved reading about entering the sacred Liminal spaces versus the more tempting and easier “Liminoid” experiences which only bring temporary gratification/ distraction. The desert can be lonely, but remember,from the ‘urban slums’ of Melbourne are a hundred faces of those you have loved and lived life with who are holding you close to their hearts every day. We love you guys! Here’s to a new journey!
Your sis,
Sharm.
2 hamo // Feb 1, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Look forward to reading what you are learning.
It sounds like a time of both learning and challenge. You’ve been around for long enough to stay focused and not get either bummed out or foolishly idealistic.
Goodonyamate!
3 Tim Jeffries // Feb 15, 2007 at 9:57 pm
It’s great to read and in some ways share the journey with you Jon. Just remember who is sustaining you man, holding on to Him at the centre you will survive the wild animals and the temptations. Thanks for your honesty, I pray you have God’s peace in these times.
4 Neal Taylor // Feb 26, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Great to share with you guys Jon! I too look forward to reading more of this amazing journey you’re on!
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