Checklist

While working in Alaska, one Sunday morning I drove from Anchorage down the breathtaking Seward Highway to visit a friend I had pastored with in Ohio. Before church started, Blair asked me what my plans for the day were, and when I indicated I had the afternoon free he said, “Good. We’ll have lunch.” Then he added, “I’m a pilot and I have plane. We’ll go for a ride; it’s a great day for it!” Was it ever! Seward, Alaska, and Resurrection Bay from the air – I’ll never forget it!

Before we took off, Blair handed me a clipboard with a list. After each item I read, he said, “Check.” It was a checklist. When everything on it had been checked, we knew we were ready to fly!

In the temptation incident (Matthew 4), Jesus gave us a “Checklist” for every day. After all, daily living and dealing with the devil can be just as hazardous as flying. Here it is:

Check your Master – Who do you serve? See Only.

Check your Manna – Where does your strength come from? The Israelites were to gather manna every morning. Like the Israelites took strength from the manna they gathered, we’re to take spiritual strength daily from the Word of God. Jesus indicates to Satan that it is just as important as physical food. See The Word.

Check your Mission – How do you keep score? What’s the purpose for which you are here? Don’t stray from your purpose. See Stay on Mission.

A surface reading of the temptation episode seems to indicate the purpose of it all was for Jesus to be tempted by Satan. I believe it was a little deeper than that. Jesus was showing us what to say to Satan; how to deal with the devil. He was giving us answers for the adversary.

Before you fly today, don’t forget your checklist!