ANALYSIS ON THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS 2
WEALTH AND POWER OF THE WORLD: In Luke 4:5, the Devil took Jesus to a high mountain and showed Him all the Kingdoms of the world and he said I will give you all the power and wealth if you bow down and worship me. And Jesus replied; It is written " worship the Lord your God and serve only Him".
In the book of Genesis 1:26, God said; "let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion ... over all the earth". Money is man made, what man creates is beneath him but unfortunately money controls a large majority of men. Robert Walser said; money rules the world. Does it really? Prosperity was part of man's dominion mandate but he sold it out to the devil after his obedience at the Garden of Eden. Thanks be to the Lord who purchased us back with His Blood and gave us back our heritage. "For your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9)"
However, 'wealth' in this context does not imply material wealth but all round blessings. In Acts 3:6; Peter told the man born lame from his mother's womb, silver and gold I have not but what I have I give to you. Silver and gold signifies money, it is limited to only things you can buy. Christian wealth is generational and endless. Personally, I have come to discover that no matter how much you own, the only one who can satisfy the human heart is the one who created it. I have met many rich men and women who are unhappy.
One of the misunderstandings among those in the Body of Christ, is many build their prayer line on a GIVE ME, GIVE ME meditation. Few persons hunger to be close to the LORD. Let me say this, when Jesus died, Mary Magdalene did not go to the tomb to get anything from the MASTER, the bible records she went with oil to anoint His body and He revealed Himself to her. Many Christians run to God when they have problems, healing is a part of God, riches is a part of God, power is a part of God but a relationship with God is all of God. If you want the full package, seek God and He will give you the whole of Him which includes, relationship, love, healing, wealth, joy and so much more.
This second temptation of Jesus is a test of character. In John 12:31 the Devil is called the "ruler of this world," but he does not have outright ownership. Satan entices you with much but he will rob you of every penny. He is the father of lies (John 8:44). Jesus did not trade His love for the Father for anything the world can give. This world is temporal, let reach out for the eternal. I remember, a lady I knew way back in the University, so eager to make money and enjoy the pleasures of this world, she slept with a certain rich man, who gave her some money but spiritually tormented her day and night, even in her dreams and she lost her mind.
Hear this! You can desire to build mansions and hotels round the world but if cancer hits you, what do you do with all you have acquired. Life is fragile, everything can be gained and lost in a twinkle of an eye. Do not trade you life for temporary benefits. Do not give up your life for things that mean nothing.The most precious things in life are things you cannot buy or replace.
In the parable of the prodigal son, the boy was already blessed in his father's bosom but greed pushed him out of his father's protection, when he left, he did not only take the limited money with him, he lost his father's coverage, blessings, shield and prosperity, he lost everything and in the quest for survival was willing to feed pigs and eat their food. When we are not satisfied with the gifts of God, we will submit to the slavery of the devil.
Here are a few Bible verses to study on greed;
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
1 Peter 1:24
For “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls.
1 John 2:15-16
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires
of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.
John 12:43
For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Thank you Jesus.
Holy Spirit my partner.
Shalom!
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