Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery (ELW 334, st. 4)
4 From the dawning of creation
You have loved us as your own;
Stay with us through all temptation,
Make us turn to you alone,
Make us turn to you alone.
Words and music by Marty Haugen
© 1984, GIA Publications, Inc.
Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A730924
Devotion
Our hymn’s mention of temptation recalls Jesus’ temptation by the devil in the wilderness. For 40 days, Jesus went without food and human company. The devil took advantage of these apparent vulnerabilities to tempt Jesus to take the easy way out of his trials and grasp for worldly power. Jesus said “no” to the devil and a resounding “yes” to trusting in God alone for all provision and purpose in life.
The 40 days of Lent allow us to reflect on our own temptations. These can be any attitude, endeavor, object, or person that seeks to gain our ultimate allegiance and motivate our actions instead of God. On our own we cannot say “no” to these idols that deprive us of life. So, the hymn exhorts us to turn to Christ alone. His perfect love and faithfulness strengthen us in trials and nourish us in the deserts of life.
Prayer
Mighty God, reveal to us anything seeking to take your rightful place in our lives, and give us the strength and courage to depend on you. Amen.