KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD II

I am still reflecting on yesterday’s entry concerning ‘the kingdoms of the world’ from the temptations of Jesus in Matthew 4.

This temptation of worldly kingdoms and activities becomes a fabric message that’s woven into much of the teaching of Jesus and the apostles. It is basically used as a contrast: worldly kingdom or God’s Kingdom? Of course the price is ‘to bow down and worship me’ offered by Satan. I believe the greater deception in this temptation is to be hooked into a worldly enterprise, activity or hobby and not even know it. Worship of such could mean to offer time, respect, devotion and investment of energy and money into anything that’s compromising to the Gospel and our walk as disciples. We do not need ‘to be taken to a very high mountain’ to clearly see worldly kingdoms. They are often seen from very low valleys.

In the classic prayer of Jesus, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…”
Line nine says, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” What is striking to me is ‘the Kingdom may come on earth, our daily bread, forgiving debtors and transgressors… and then the Lord knows we should prepare for the assault of ‘worldly kingdoms’ by praying: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Go to hell, Satan… leave us alone.

“Get out of here, Satan, for the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”
Jesus