Our Wilderness Experience

Matthew 3:16-17KJV And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:  And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 4:4 KJV  Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Matthew 3 gives us a front row experience of the glorious baptism of Yeshua. What a ceremony! The heavens opened, the Spirit of God descended like a dove, lighting flashed and the very voice of God serenaded Yeshua, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Right after this spectacular event, Yeshua was lead into the wilderness, of the spirit, alone. The scripture does not speak of an extended celebration with those in attendance, of time to reflect, marinate and enjoy in such a life changing event. After his baptism with water and fire he was sent to the wilderness alone. His assignment began, and it was a journey that he faced, for forty days, without a friend.

 Like Yeshua, our salvation, conversion and baptism marks a glorious event. The beginning of a new walk, a new path, a new way of being and living. It separates us from our old life, the old man and propels us to begin our bespoke Kingdom assignment.

 His baptism was immediately followed by a test. His assignment was great and no time was wasted. His journey and purpose for being, began immediately. The wilderness was his training ground and the survival tools given by him, the word, his faith, and the spirit of God, was all he needed to get him through the temptation, and 40 days and nights of being alone. 

As with Yeshua, once we present our lives as a living sacrifice unto Elohim our God, our journey begins. We may not be led into the wilderness, but we will have wilderness like experiences where Satan will come to tempt us and challenge our faith. It’s a test he put to all believers to challenge our resolve, our level of commitment and willingness to experience uncomfortableness and suffer for our faith.

 Thankfully, Elohim is no respecter of persons. The same spiritual tools given to Yeshua is available to us. Our baptism in water and fire, our faith, and the word of God will carry us to victory!

Let’s glorify Elohim for his faithfulness and goodness to us all!