In the NRSV this verse is translated “And do not bring us to the time of trial but rescue us from the evil one.” (Mt. 6:13 NRSV). This is a perfectly valid translation from the Greek and I am drawn to it because it highlights another aspect of the whole issue of temptation. A temptation is a trial. When Jesus was tempted in the desert, his obedience was on trial. And he passed his trial with flying colors.
We too are tried, but more often than not we do not fare as well as Jesus. This morning I prayed that I could come to a place where I was no longer on trial; a place where I could rest in the promises of the kingdom. And I realized that I must continue to be tested until I pass. So when I pray this prayer, I am praying that I be fully conformed to the Spirit within me. That takes effort on my part. (Php. 2:12-13). And the effort required is surrender.
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