"Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’" Matthew 4:8-10
Yesterday morning's run took me to a place the locals here like to call "picture window". Located at one of the tallest points in our small town, the view at the top is absolutely amazing-a person can literally see for miles and miles viewing some of the finest Ozark hills and valleys Missouri has to offer. As I stopped for a moment to meditate and take it all in, I couldn't help but think of how much more amazing the view Jesus must have had when the devil made him this offer, "All this I will give you if you will bow down and worship me." Oh satan is quite crafty isn't he?
You know the devil is still tempting people with that same offer today saying that if you and I will only exalt him that he will give us all the things of this world-those possessions, power and positions that only money can buy and the world tells us will make us happy. We know that's a lie though right? There is no joy apart from Jesus Christ. So when that happens (and it will), you and I can resist the temptation in the same way that Jesus did by quoting these words, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" And remember, even if you gain all those things and even the whole world, is it worth losing your soul?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly tells us that, if we worship the things of this world and follow after the devil and his ways that we forfeit salvation. Knowing that, may we keep our eyes focused on you and off of worldly things that we might not be tempted to do anything other than worship and serve the one and only true God. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Lose my soul - TobyMac
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