“Again, the devil took Him along to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:8-9).
How many times do we bump into preposterous assumptions? Can the devil give the Lord what God created? In that moment, the Lord could have re-created all of creation. Alas, the trick here is that the devil would have us give up what is real for what is an illusion. Our Savior has already given us everything that we need. Do not be deceived but be content with the portion the Lord has given you.
This world has been selling the lie that if we have bunches of stuff, we will be happy. But the rich are not happy. Guide me, Lord, in the way of true life so that I do not fall for the nonsense of the wicked one. I have a few years in this age and then I meet You face to face. Guide me in Your goodness and lead the way into a life that avoids the silly but real temptations of the devil to live the life You give.
Lord Jesus, I cannot overcome the devil, but You already have. In Your grace and by Your power alone, help me moment by moment so that I will not give into the deceits that would ensnare me. Lead me in Your goodness to know that in You alone is there all hope and the future which You promise to those who remain faithful. Guide me in that faith today so that I may learn from You how to be steadfast. Amen.
