And don't lead us into temptation
Dr. Roberto MirandaSometimes God tests His children to refine them, to expose hidden sins and defects, to discipline them when they fall into an attitude of self-justification, or to unjustly condemn others, or simply to objectively establish through us some spiritual truth on earth. Sometimes Satan himself will demand from God the right to touch us for an unconfessed sin or a sinful practice. The spirit world is very mysterious, and sometimes the hand of God will move over us in dark and heavy ways, despite his mercy and love.
How strange this expression of the Lord's Prayer! The Bible clearly says: “When anyone is tempted, do not say that he is tempted by God; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone ”(James 1:13). The Greek word, peirasmos, which is translated into Spanish "temptation" in this passage of the Lord's Prayer, not only refers to trying to induce someone to sin, but it can also refer to putting someone to the test, or putting a person to the test. in tribulation circumstances.
When Jesus says, "Lead us not into temptation," He is saying, "Have mercy on us. Do not test us beyond what we can bear. May your hand rest lightly on our sin, and may we always receive mercy and grace from you. As much as possible, free us from adverse circumstances that test our faith and stretch us almost to the point of breaking. "
It is a cry for a clear life that always enjoys God's favor, exempted as much as possible from the rigors and sufferings of a fallen, dark and dangerous world.
"Lead us not into temptation" is a request that God's mercy always triumph over his justice and judgment, that we always be treated with grace and delicacy, rather than with the discipline and rigor that we really deserve.