What will you do for power? | Luke 4:5-8
Luke 4:5-8
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.’ “
The shortcuts to power are attractive, aren’t they? All it takes is just a little shading of the truth here, and a little under the table deal there. Sometimes you just have to do whatever it takes, right? You have to get in with the right people. Hanging out with the powerful people feels pretty good, doesn’t it?
The prince of this world was ready to put Jesus in control. All the Lord had to do was take a shortcut. All authority and splendor was his after he worshiped Satan. But Jesus would not bend his knee before the father of lies. He appealed to the word of God: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.
What will you do for power? Advancement? Position? Are you willing to take a shortcut? What are you willing to sacrifice? Your marriage? Your children? Your integrity? Who or what are you willing to bow before? Be very careful on your power trip. One day you may realize that you are driving with the devil.
Lord Jesus, thank you for refusing to take a shortcut to power. Help us have the discernment to follow your example. Amen.
If you have enjoyed these daily devotionals from Ron, check out his new book, Journey through the Bible, and read through the Bible this year. Click here to order.
Today on The Journey: Does Character Count? Part 1 (I & II Samuel). Listen to today’s broadcast!