Putting Love to the Test

After his baptism, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'"
Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered him, "It is written,

'Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.'"

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,

'He will command his angels concerning you,
to protect you,'

and

'On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"

Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. Luke 4:1-13

Love's Test

From the very early beginning
darkly in the damp womb
The Creator gave us ears
to hear the sounds of love.

We pushed out beyond
all that we trust and know
finding ourselves on edge
willing falling so we can be caught.

Feeling small and neglected
we run from what is home
finding nothing to save us
we run tears streaming back.

Always testing always wanting more
we have love all around us
so familiar those comforting sounds
we fail to hear them with wonder anymore.

Yet love is this solid ground
this soft and embracing heart
the artist who created a unique wonder
that is so completely you.