Shower Car (Matthew 6:13)

When my daughter was first learning to talk, she would sometimes substitute her own words for the usual ones. One memorable episode occurred when we passed a car wash. When she saw it, she gleefully exclaimed, “Shower car! Shower Car!” My wife and I smiled because although she did not use the correct name, her description was absolutely accurate!

The choice of words is important. Even as something as beloved and familiar as the Lord’s prayer can sometimes reveal more than what initially seems.

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one….
Matthew 6:13 (NKJV)

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 6:13 (ESV)

Although both translations are accurate, it is understood that evil is not only a principle but a person, the evil one-Satan. Thus, when Jesus commands us to ask God, the Father, to deliver us from evil, He is asking us to pray that God will place a hedge of protection around us, hindering Satan’s attempts to attack us. God does not tempt anyone to sin. He  promises to protect us, if we allow Him. But too often, we follow our own evil desires and end up in sin.

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full- grown, brings forth death.
James 1:13-15

We must choose our words carefully. We may blame everyone else, including God, for our sins. But until we accept the responsibility for our own actions, we will never acknowledge our desperate need for a Savior. Only by confessing our sins, repenting, and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, will we be able to be forgiven our sins. Only then will we be able to pray the Lord’s prayer in confidence, knowing that He who saved us will never leave us nor forsake us.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.