Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly 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 will fall down and worship me.”
Matthew 4:8-9 NKJV
The third temptation had to do with the battle over the worship of God and who was ultimately in charge. The devil paraded glory to Jesus. It was like “I’m giving you this on a platter. You do not need to go through the painful process. The glory that would eventually be yours can be given without any work”. The devil presented a ‘get rich quick’ scheme to Jesus. However, Jesus was not filled with a love for materials or glory. He desired to do the will of His Father.
Here is the thing, whatever you adore, whatever you focus on, and whatever consumes your thoughts and heart is what you worship and eventually serve.
Whatever you make number one in your life is what you are going to serve. This is why it is so important to make sure that you are a true worshiper who worships God in the Spirit and truth. So, is God the first in your life? Do you not feel and encourage a desire that opposes God? It is what consumes you that you will serve. What are your desires? Is your focus on Jesus and Him crucified?
Meanwhile, it is important to note that you cannot serve two masters. Your focus and desire must be singularly on God in all you do. So, check your heart, what consumes it? Jesus, having a singular focus on God, responded.
Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”
Matthew 4:10 NKJV
Though it seems the battle was over after this response, however, Luke 4:13 provides more insight into what happened after. ‘When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came’ (NLT). Fighting the devil’s tactics, schemes and temptation is a life-long battle. He is relentless. Just like with Jesus, the devil will look for “another opportunity” to devour you.
When it was all over, angels came and ministered unto Him. God will always make room to care for you. Whenever you go through difficult times of testing, God will take care of you.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith
1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT
You are in a battle. Your greatest weapons are the will of God, the Word of God, and the worship of God. Stay faithful and strong.
