Scripture:

Mark 1:9-13
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him;
11 and a voice came out of the heavens: "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."

12 Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness.
13 And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.
NASU


Thoughts:

Following what must have been the pinnacle of Jesus' earthly life to that point -- the Father audibly and Spirit visibly (verses 10-11) testifying of who He is -- He enters temptation (verse 13).

It's true that this was a unique circumstance.  Jesus was led there by the Spirit (verse 12) and tempted by Satan, himself (verse 13).  Still, it reminds me of how often we find temptation on the back end of some spiritual victory. 

Our enemy pounces on any lowering of our guard, which we so easily do during mountaintop experiences.  In the euphoria of closeness to God, we can forget we have an enemy waiting to tempt us, and a world filled with impediments to our walk with God.  We may even forget our own propensity to make poor choices in the frailty of our flesh.


Prayer:

Lord, keep me walking close to You in good times or bad.  When I experience those mountain peaks that You bless us with in life, help me to not let down my guard.  Help me to keep up my diligence, independent of my feelings.

Oh how I long for that day when the mountaintop will not end.  When You call us home to glory, and in Your presence we have rest!

Amen