Father, it has been a full and busy day. I am weary but I know our time together is the best thing for me. Help me to focus on what You have for me tonight. Amen.

Luke 22:39-46 (<<click here to read the passage)

The picture above is of daredevil Angelina Nikolau, a 23-year-old from Moscow, Russia. Russian media describes her as a ‘self-taught photographer, adventurer, and roofer from Moscow.’ Roofing – also known as rooftopping – is where people get as close as possible to the edge of a skyscraper’s highest point to take photos. In this particular shot, she is atop a skyscraper in Tianjin, China.

It is totally unnerving to look at, and I for one would never in my wildest dreams even think about trying it, but it is an excellent example of the pitfalls of temptation. Individuals such as Angelina get their thrills from such feats and, unfortunately, inspire others to do the same.

Many of us have heard of selfies but this type of extremism has led to what is now being called “killfies”. According to the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), 259 cases of selfie-related deaths occurred between 2011 and 2019. Analysis by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology shows that the number continues to grow.

Why would anyone want to do such things? The idea that we have so devalued life in a world that embraces the idea that we are here only by happenstance and not as the cherished creation of a holy God, feeds our mentality of fatalism.

Angelina knows the risks, but it drives her to take more risks. Though at some point she may fall, to her it is worth that chance for one more high, one more opportunity for her to set herself apart from the norm. After all, she knows what is best for herself…right?

As I said, I wouldn’t even think of trying it but aren’t we all guilty of doing what we want to do, knowing the possible adverse outcome but determined to do what we want. We know what is best for ourselves…right?

Hours before his pending death Jesus calls out the disciples, compelling them to “pray continually that you may not fall into temptation.” vs40b AMP

Time is short and Jesus attempts to pound into their thick heads and calloused hearts what is at stake but at least at this point, the disciples only see what they want to see.

That’s the way temptation works. We see and feel what we want because in the moment it’s thrilling. It fulfills our heart’s desire. But going down that path only leads us to a fall. God warns us but often we refuse to listen. We tune Him out so we can do what we want to do. We want to enjoy the here and now, no matter how fleeting the pleasure may be.

But Jesus sees beyond the here and now. He sees us all, individually, in the forever. Our only hope of overcoming this downward spiral to eternal death is to pray continually. And the focus of our prayer to avoid our fall into temptation is to rely on His strength…His grace… Only that will see us through.

Dec 15th, 2020, Tues, 7:04 pm