Snoopy's Lenten Reflections

[Mendalla]

@Mendalla
If Satan is a symbol of temptation within, is God also a symbol or metaphor? Does God represent the good within us?

Why would it be one and not the other?

Yes, God could also be a symbol or metaphor, though I have usually associated the image more with the fundamental creative forces of existence. But the good within, or the paragon of right relationship which is kind of the same thing, would be another.

My real point is that if Satan is real and this is a truly monotheistic universe, Satan must be subservient to God, not an opposing force. And, really, when Satan appears in the Bible, esp. the OT, that's largely what we see; Satan as tempter or advocate, not as a force of evil opposing God's force of good. The "Lord of Darkness" is really a steal from Zoroastrianism's Ahriman and similar figures. You simply cannot believe in equal but opposing forces without accepting some form of dualism.

But if Satan is a metaphor for the things that keep us away from oneness with God rather than a literal opposing force, then that resolves the problem.

 

[paradox3]

Remember the indigenous tale of the two wolves (good and evil) battling within us?

Q. Which one wins?
A. The one you feed.

 

[unsafe]

How do we know what happened in the desert
without any witnesses

God;s Faith needs no witnesses to believe what happened in the wilderness -------

Remember doubting Thomas -----Jesus said ---Blessed are those who believe without seeing -- --

We believe cause God's word says what happened in the wilderness --and God says His word ---who is Jesus --is truth ----

 

[paradox3]

In two verses (yes, two) Mark describes the Temptation of Jesus

Bible Gateway passage: Mark 1:12-13 - New English Translation

The Spirit immediately drove him into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, enduring temptations from Satan. He was with wild animals, and angels were ministering to his needs.

www.biblegateway.com

In this version of the story, the Spirit does not lead Jesus into the wilderness. The Spirit drives him there.

Jesus spends forty days in the wilderness, enduring the temptations from Satan. But the temptations are not described and no number is specified.

There is no mention of Jesus fasting or being famished. This time, there are wild animals.

Angels minister to Jesus but the text doesn't say they turn up after the devil departs. Were they there all along?

It is a similar but not identical story to the one we read in Matthew. How would a biblical literalist reconcile the two accounts?

 

[unsafe]

In this version of the story, the Spirit does not lead Jesus into the wilderness. The Spirit drives him there.

So here is where you need to look up the word in the Passage here ----so in Matthew and Luke he is lead ---in Mark they use drive -----

So both come under the same Greek word -----so it doesn't change the scripture as the Greek Word used encompasses both words ----

Lexical Summary
agó: To lead, bring, carry, guide, drive

(properly) to lead
(by implication) to bring, drive

-----This is from Bible Hub

Mark 1:12 Study Bible: And immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness.

Mark 1:12
At once the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness,
Study Bible

At once
The immediacy of the action is emphasized, indicating the urgency and divine purpose behind the event. This reflects the fast-paced narrative style of the Gospel of Mark, which often uses the term "immediately" to convey the swift unfolding of Jesus' ministry.

the Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life and ministry of Jesus, guiding and empowering Him. This moment follows Jesus' baptism, where the Spirit descended upon Him, signifying divine approval and anointing for His mission. The Spirit's involvement underscores the divine orchestration of events.

drove
The term suggests a forceful action, indicating that Jesus was compelled by the Spirit. This highlights the necessity of the wilderness experience as part of God's plan. It also reflects the obedience of Jesus to the Father's will, as He submits to the Spirit's leading.

Jesus
The central figure of the Gospel, Jesus is portrayed as the obedient Son of God. His willingness to be led by the Spirit into the wilderness demonstrates His submission to the Father's will and His readiness to begin His public ministry.

into the wilderness
The wilderness is a place of testing and preparation in biblical tradition. It recalls the Israelites' 40 years of wandering, a time of trial and reliance on God. For Jesus, the wilderness becomes a place of spiritual preparation and confrontation with Satan, setting the stage for His ministry. The geographical setting is likely the Judean Desert, a barren and desolate area, symbolizing spiritual desolation and the need for divine sustenance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Spirit
Refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who plays a crucial role in guiding and empowering Jesus throughout His ministry.

2. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is being prepared for His public ministry through this time of testing.

3. The Wilderness
A desolate and uninhabited region, often symbolic of testing and preparation in the Bible. It is where Jesus is led to be tempted by Satan.

4. The Event
The immediate action following Jesus' baptism, where He is driven by the Spirit into the wilderness, marking the beginning of His ministry and His confrontation with temptation.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is active in guiding believers, just as He guided Jesus. We should seek to be sensitive to His leading in our lives.

Purpose of the Wilderness
Times of testing and solitude can be used by God to prepare us for future ministry and strengthen our faith.

Immediate Obedience
Jesus' immediate response to the Spirit's leading is a model for our own obedience to God's direction.

Spiritual Warfare
The wilderness experience reminds us of the reality of spiritual warfare and the need to be equipped with God's Word and Spirit.

Preparation for Ministry
Before engaging in public ministry, there is often a period of preparation and testing. We should embrace these times as opportunities for growth.

 

[unsafe]

Remember the indigenous tale of the two wolves (good and evil) battling within us?

Q. Which one wins?
A. The one you feed.

Well not quite the original story ----

this is the Original story

Just posting this part of it ---

The original Cherokee story of two wolves — Nicole Poell Psy.D.

The story of two wolves, but not one you have heard yet

www.drnicolepoell.com

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied,

“If you feed them right, they both win.

You see, if I only choose to feed the white wolf, the black one will be hiding around every corner waiting for me to become distracted or weak and jump to get the attention he craves. He will always be angry and always fighting the white wolf.
But if I acknowledge him, he is happy and the white wolf is happy and we all win.

For the black wolf has many qualities – tenacity, courage, fearlessness, strong-willed and great strategic thinking – that I have need of at times and that the white wolf lacks.

But the white wolf has compassion, caring, strength and the ability to recognize what is in the best interest of all.

“You see, son, the white wolf needs the black wolf at his side. To feed only one would starve the other and they will become uncontrollable.

To feed and care for both means they will serve you well and do nothing that is not a part of something greater, something good, something of life.

Feed them both and there will be no more internal struggle for your attention.

And when there is no battle inside, you can listen to the voices of deeper knowing that will guide you in choosing what is right in every circumstance.

Peace, my son, is the Cherokee mission in life.

A man or a woman who has peace inside has everything.

A man or a woman who is pulled apart by the war inside him or her has nothing.

“How you choose to interact with the opposing forces within you will determine your life.
Starve one or the other or guide them both.”


I say ----This is so different from Satan and God -----as One is in control of the other ----Satan was created by God and is under God's restrictions as to what he can and can't do to God's human creation ---who wins here is the one we decide to feed -------unlike the 2 wolves who if you feed both the internal struggle ends --and peace is the result --------here the internal struggle only can end if you feed the right One and stay grounded and rooted in that Right One who is the only one who can give you that peace ---the other one you feed will only give you stress -anxiety and fear --

 

[paradox3]

Interesting about the verbs "to lead" and "to drive" @unsafe

Luke also has a version of the Temptation of Jesus. It is very similar to Matthew's account.

Bible Gateway passage: Luke 4:1-13 - New English Translation

The Temptation of Jesus - Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he endured temptations from the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were completed, he was famished. The devil said...

www.biblegateway.com

No ministering angels though.
No wild animals either.

The devil departs from Jesus ,"until a more opportune time" (v.13). Luke leaves us wondering what the devil will get up to next.

 

[paradox3]

Methinks there is more than one wolf story @unsafe

 

[GordW]

Methinks there is more than one wolf story @unsafe

I have no doubt there are multiple versions out there. However theree is a definite logic to the interpretation that @unsafe gives.

 

[paradox3]

Day 6 of Snoopy's Lenten Reflections

Not planning on posting another scripture lesson today. It's a day for some of that personal reflection we are called to in this season of Lent.

Interesting that the two recent passages from Matthew more or less bookend Jesus's ministry. The wilderness experience takes place just before his ministry starts. And the Transfiguration Is close to the end of it.

How many of can relate to high and low periods in life? We may even use the metaphors of wilderness and mountaintop.

Was it the Spirit which led or drove us into the wilderness?
Were there angels present?
Did we need to kick Satan to the curb or is the tempter not part of the story?

There is lots of ordinary life in between the two extremes. Yet it holds so much blessing. Do we fail to see it? Do we squander it by seeking the next peak experience?

 

[unsafe]

No ministering angels though.
No wild animals either.

So why does Mark mention these 2 things ---there certainly is a reason and it is a Spiritual reason ------

AI Says


In Mark 1:12-13, the mention of angels and wild animals during Jesus's 40-day wilderness temptation highlights his identity as the "New Adam" or messianic king who restores peace with creation, while triumphing over Satan
. The animals represent the dangers of the wilderness (or a restored Eden), and the angels signify divine protection and authority.
Desiring God +4

The "New Adam" & Paradise Restored: Unlike the first Adam who failed in a garden, Jesus succeeds in a dangerous, cursed wilderness. His peaceful coexistence with wild beasts symbolizes the reversal of the Fall and the restoration of Eden, where humanity rules in harmony with nature.

Authority Over Satan: The scene demonstrates Jesus's victory over temptation. Being "with" the wild beasts implies dominion over them rather than being consumed by them, aligning with biblical imagery of the Messiah reigning over creation.

Angelic Ministry: The angels "ministering" to Jesus highlights that even in the most desolate, dangerous place, Jesus is cared for by God, highlighting his status as the beloved Son.

Contrast with Israel: While Israel failed for 40 years in the wilderness, Jesus succeeds for 40 days, proving he is the obedient, ultimate man.
Desiring God +8

Essentially, these details emphasize that Jesus is not merely surviving, but actively reigning and reversing the curse of sin in the midst of, and over, the forces of evil.



This is from Bible Hub -----worth the whole read --just posting this

What is the significance of wild animals being mentioned in Mark 1:13?

Summary
The mention of wild animals in Mark 1:13 is not an incidental detail but a multi-layered revelation: historical realism,
Second-Adam typology, prophetic fulfillment, cosmic reconciliation, and pastoral assurance.

It showcases
Jesus as the Creator-Redeemer who subdues nature’s hostility, inaugurates the peace of the coming Kingdom, and provides a foretaste of the restoration promised in Scripture.

Angelic Ministry and Covenant Witness

The dual mention of “wild animals” and “angels” demonstrates that both realms—earthly creatures and heavenly beings—
recognize Jesus’ supremacy. Job 5:23 anticipates a reconciled relationship: “You will be in league with the stones of the field, and the beasts will be at peace with you”

​

​

 

[paradox3]

Always interesting to look at verses or details that are unique to Mark.

Of the three parallel accounts of the Temptation, Mark alone gives us wild animals.

The ministering angels also show up in Matthew but not in Luke. In Matthew's version, the angels arrive after the devil has left the scene.

 

[paradox3]

Been thinking about my church involvement in the context of wilderness and mountaintop. I have certainly experienced both extremes.

During wilderness times I have felt very alone but joy is usually shared with others.

Jesus had company at the time of his transfiguration. Three disciples were physically present. The law and the prophets were there in spirit and God arrived in a cloud.

 

[unsafe]

Interesting read here from
AI --------on what unbelievers focus on during Lent if they wish to participate in it

Unbelievers often observe Lent as a secular, 40-day period of self-discipline, focusing on personal, behavioral "cleanses" such as abstaining from alcohol, social media, or unhealthy habits. Similar to "Dry January" or New Year's resolutions, this practice allows non-religious individuals to pursue mental or physical wellness and intentionality, rather than the religious, penitential preparation for Easter.
Key aspects of secular Lent observed by non-believers include:

• Self-Improvement & Mindfulness: Using the 40 days to break bad habits or build new, positive ones.
• A "Cleanse" Mentality: Viewing the period as a mental or physical reset.
• Cultural Connection: Some who have left the faith or are non-religious still participate to feel connected to cultural or familial roots.
• Increased Discipline: Some treat it as a challenge to build willpower, distinct from religious fasting, which focuses on spiritual preparation.
  www.vox.com +4

the core principles of giving something up can be used by anyone for personal growth

 

[paradox3]

Yes, very interesting @unsafe. We have already discussed parallels of Lent with other world faiths. But I had never considered secular parallels. Makes sense.

 

[unsafe]

Been thinking about my church involvement in the context of wilderness and mountaintop. I have certainly experienced both extremes.

I personally think we all have shared in the worldly wilderness and mountaintop experiences and will till we die =====

When we are away from God I think we create our own Wilderness experiences through our wrong decision making ---and we create our own Mountaintop experiences by the right decisions we make ------

If God sends us into the Wilderness ----God will provide the way out for us to the Mountaintop ---
My View
So whether your close to God or away from God ----the wilderness and mountaintop experiences will happen to us all at some points in our lives ---Hopefully we learn from the Wilderness experiences we participate in so we can spend more time on the Mountaintop experience

 

[paradox3]

One of the readings told us that the devil went away until an opportune time. I was pondering how many of those "opportune times" we create for ourselves. Not saying we are personally responsible for all of them.

 

[unsafe]

One of the readings told us that the devil went away until an opportune time.

Ya --Satan failed on his first attempt ----then tries again in the by entering Judas ----tries in the Garden of Gethsemane and then with Peter -----Satan never gives up always looking for that Opportune time to hook the person into obeying his commands ----the roaring Lion always looking for his prey

I was pondering how many of those "opportune times" we create for ourselves.

Good Question ?

 

[paradox3]

Snoopy will be busy with a few tasks tomorrow so the Lenten study will be paused for at least a day.

But the beagle will be back. Good conversation so far, thanks everyone

 

[paradox3]

Day 8 of Snoopy's Lenten Reflections.

Planning a period of screen detox for Days 9, 10 and11.Today I will do my best to ease into it.

My intention is to use my phone only as a phone for these three days. I anticipate it will be challenging.

If all goes according to plan, Snoopy will return on Monday. Maybe with the Scripture lesson from church on Sunday.