Tempted by Power (Matthew 4:8-10)

Power and instant gratification usually go hand in hand. Those seeking power, don't like to wait for it. And often they aren't concerned with how they get either. Just that they have it. Manipulation and going for good enough rather than God's whole plan can be key indicators that negotiations with evil have taken place.

Matthew 4:8-10 ⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; ⁹ and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." ¹⁰ Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'"

Luke 4:5-8 ⁵ Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. ⁶ And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. ⁷ If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." ⁸ Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'"

Once again Jesus is being tempted to go the easy route - to accomplish something that seems good, but to do it outside of God's plan.  Why not negotiate with evil for control of humankind?  This way he wouldn't have to go to the cross.  It would be far easier and less trouble on his part.  Of course, he'd have the power, but not the hearts of his people.  Gaining our hearts could only be accomplished through his death, resurrection, and the sending of the Holy Spirit.  But he could negotiate for "good enough" - looking out only for his own interests - or he can resist and follow God's plan.

Do you seek God's direction or do you negotiate with evil?  Do you accomplish the whole plan or just go so far?  Does going part way ever really work?  Jesus sets an example here of not negotiating with evil for achieving just part of God's plans!  Jesus shows us that he will chose to endure rather than go 1/2 way. 

Look at your life and see where you might be negotiating with evil and only achieving part of God's goal for your life.  Resist. Choose God's way rather than negotiating with evil.