So much to offer

Then the Devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in all their greatness. ‘All this I will give you,’ the Devil said, ‘if you kneel down and worship me.’
Then Jesus answered, ‘Go away, Satan! The scripture says, “Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!”‘
(verses 8-10)

Read Matthew 4:1-11

There are many good things that can come our way in life. For some there is stardom and fame, for others a great career or · outstanding success in sport. Some people gain untold wealth and a life of pleasure by winning a lottery or receiving a large inheritance. The danger is that these kinds of things can come to take first place in our life.

The Bible has some sobering words to say about this: ‘Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth … For your heart will always be where your riches are’ (Matthew 6: 19,21).

What this world has to offer can easily become an obsession for us. When earthly things take first place in our life, they become our god and we turn away from the one true God.

When Satan tried to tempt Jesus with wealth, greatness and the good life, Jesus’ answer was, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!’ When you are tempted by earthly wealth, turn to God’s word, which has so much more to offer.

When I’m in danger of losing my heart to what this world offers, help me to turn to you, dear Jesus. You are all I need. Amen.

By Grace Bock, in “Refreshment for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers (2003)

Visit the Daily Devotion archives page.