Satan asked for worship in exchange for worldly glory • Deshen Daily

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me (Matthew 4:8–9 KJV)

Deliverance from power of satan showing a voodoo man standing

Satan’s temptation of Jesus gives us insights into how he operates. In one of his temptations, he showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them. Think of the riches, honor, power, majesty, and glory of being a world ruler like Caeser in the days of Jesus! Satan showed Jesus all of these world’s goodies and promised to give them to Him under one condition–Jesus should worship him.

Satan requested worship in exchange for the glory of the world. He desires worship from humans, a thing that God alone deserves. He promises the world’s goodies in exchange for this worship to entice human beings to act as he wishes.

He gets worship from humans today in different ways. Some people will do anything to be famous, wealthy, or in a position of authority. Satan then entices them with the promise of glory while dragging them slowly to hell. It is the same strategy he uses with lust. Worldliness is a dangerous snare for our souls. He makes us desire something so badly that we will go against God’s command to fulfill our desires and then end up in big trouble.

Meditate

Can you think of the different ways Satan probably makes human beings worship him today? Would you please think of the relationship between Satan’s request in the verse above and the mark of the beast coming in the future?

Apply the Word

The things of the world come with various enticing promises such as enjoyment, pleasure, and happiness. The same is true of lust. Worldliness and lust are two powerful weapons in the hands of the devil. Beware of both.