Our Gospel reading today, we follow the events immediately following Jesus baptism by John in the Jordan. Jesus was taken into the wilderness to spend time preparing for his ministry which would begin soon, and he began his battle with the devil in earnest. As we hear this account we are drawn into the cosmic struggle between Good and Evil, between God and the Evil One - Satan or the Devil or one of the many other names that he is given.

It is easy for us in our modern technological world, to overlook the battle in the spiritual realm and dismiss it as legend or fantasy. After all, we are raised in a world that focus on the five senses and if we can't see, hear, smell, taste or touch something, our western worldview declares it to be non-existent. In recent times, we have found that there has been a rise of interest in the western world in things of the spirit realm, almost as if, there is a sense of incompleteness in the explanations of the rationalists and scientists who have determined our thinking in our generation.

Sadly, people are not distinguishing in their re-engagement with the spirit world, and deny that there is a polarisation into Good and Evil in this environment. This is in part because of the idea that has gained currency, that there are no absolutes, and so good is relative.

Given these things, the story we read is in stark contrast. Evil, represented by the devil is attempting to derail Jesus' ministry before it begins. For Jesus to succeed, there would always be the cross, but what was on offer, was an easier way. The devil tempted him to avoid the cross by

• Using his power, as a short cut to feed himself and others rather than relying on the provision of God.
• To take the second in command to the devil, rather defeating him.
• To gain acceptance through the miraculous salvation in the temple precinct - proving that he was God's chosen.

Each way, would lead him to not fight and defeat the devil. Rather he would not free anyone else from the devil's power and the devil would remain in control. This is reality, there is a great battle under way. And we are participants, because we have sided with God through our Baptism.

So like Jesus, the devil will target us, and the way he does so is through temptation. Simply put, he will try to destroy us and if not succeeding in that will try to destroy our ministry in proclaiming the Kingdom. And he will do so most, as we are attempting to draw closer to God. Such as we do in the Season of Lent. So be warned, you are a target.

This is why at the start of Lent we look at the temptation of Jesus, to prepare us for the battle that we will face, as we attempt to draw closer to God, to Jesus and to do his will in the world. It is not only for the season of Lent, but in our day to day living out of the Christian life.

So how do we identify temptation?

Perhaps we should begin, by stating the obvious. You will not be tempted by something you do not like.

I am certainly unlikely to over-indulge when it comes to Broccoli but give me a nice drop of Port or Muscat and that is another story. Temptation then will come in those parts of our life that suggest pleasure or enjoyment. Or the achievement of something without cost or at minimal cost. This is not to say that we should deprive ourselves from the pleasurable things of life, but how do they rule our life? Often, the pursuit of pleasure is at all costs, without regard to the impact on others. We are diverted from achieving things for God, by looking to achieve for ourselves.

This is the essence of the Devil's work, to make us ineffective for God, even if he cannot draw us away from God's presence.

The reading challenges us to look again at life's distractions and ask ourselves what is diverting us from God's work. These things may not be bad, but sometimes, good is the enemy of best. And if the devil isn't bothering you, may be you aren't bothering him. It is time to re-evaluate what we doing for the kingdom.

So welcome to the battle, and let us pray that God will give us courage to take up the challenge on his behalf. This is what Lent is for, let us, you and I use it to better serve the kingdom.