Made to Worship
The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”(Luke 4:5-8)
As a good Southern woman, there is a phrase that drips off your lips at an early age. “Bless your heart” sounds dipped in sugar, but it tastes more like vinegar. This is one of those moments. It’s almost funny. The devil had a second test for Jesus. And again, it was more about the temptation than the One being tempted.
The hunger trick didn’t work, so Satan rubbed his hands together and plotted for another day. You can almost sense his optimism…. Bless his heart.
Jesus and the devil went up to a high point in the area and looked at the expanse. Satan believed the temptation of power and material would trip up Jesus. Why? Because it had worked before. Many had previously fallen into the trap of craving power. I have to believe it sounded a little bit like an infomercial at 3 a.m. “But, wait, there’s more! Look there! Look all the way over there! It can all be yours!”
Two big things we can take away from this interaction:
1. If Satan will flat out lie to the Son of God, He will most certainly lie to you. He had zero authority. He couldn’t give away a BOGO dinner coupon, much less kingdoms.
2. Satan didn’t crave money or power; he craved worship. He could have asked Jesus for many things; yet, all he really craves is attention. He wants the same from you.
We are made to worship. This is a gift we have to be very protective of. It is only for one, the One, our Lord. The temptation of power and kingdoms can be seductive. Here’s the deal, y’all. We can give ourselves a reminder of what we have and whom to worship for it. Whether you have a studio apartment or a 20-bedroom mansion, your influence expands far beyond the walls. And with that influence, we can guide people toward the One that deserves the worship.
Lord, you are the One we worship… You alone. Amen.
By Carrie Peterson
Carrie is happiest with her people and a pen in hand!
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”(Luke 4:5-8)
As a good Southern woman, there is a phrase that drips off your lips at an early age. “Bless your heart” sounds dipped in sugar, but it tastes more like vinegar. This is one of those moments. It’s almost funny. The devil had a second test for Jesus. And again, it was more about the temptation than the One being tempted.
The hunger trick didn’t work, so Satan rubbed his hands together and plotted for another day. You can almost sense his optimism…. Bless his heart.
Jesus and the devil went up to a high point in the area and looked at the expanse. Satan believed the temptation of power and material would trip up Jesus. Why? Because it had worked before. Many had previously fallen into the trap of craving power. I have to believe it sounded a little bit like an infomercial at 3 a.m. “But, wait, there’s more! Look there! Look all the way over there! It can all be yours!”
Two big things we can take away from this interaction:
1. If Satan will flat out lie to the Son of God, He will most certainly lie to you. He had zero authority. He couldn’t give away a BOGO dinner coupon, much less kingdoms.
2. Satan didn’t crave money or power; he craved worship. He could have asked Jesus for many things; yet, all he really craves is attention. He wants the same from you.
We are made to worship. This is a gift we have to be very protective of. It is only for one, the One, our Lord. The temptation of power and kingdoms can be seductive. Here’s the deal, y’all. We can give ourselves a reminder of what we have and whom to worship for it. Whether you have a studio apartment or a 20-bedroom mansion, your influence expands far beyond the walls. And with that influence, we can guide people toward the One that deserves the worship.
Lord, you are the One we worship… You alone. Amen.
By Carrie Peterson
Carrie is happiest with her people and a pen in hand!
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