As we venture through Holy Week and remember the ‘reason for the season’ and all of Christ’s sufferings for us, it just makes sense to take a look at the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.

There are many aspects of Jesus’ journey that we could ponder, but for me the one that hits home is the temptation of the worldly kingdoms that Satan proposed to Jesus.

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:9-11

Jesus withstood the temptation of Satan, but do we?  Uh….NO!

We often settle for the riches of this world and lose out on the eternal glory of God.  We choose comfort today and deny ourselves the outpouring of God’s love because we just don’t trust in His future. We settle for second when we have been offered the best.

Oh, the woes of being human!!!  Sheesh!

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matthew 16:26

I think our rush to self-serve, self-medicate and self-soothe are all indicative of our dis-trust that God really has something better for us.  We take the ‘right now’ instead of waiting for God’s timing because we actually don’t think something better is coming. Sigh.

These are all the lies of Satan.  He shows us the treasures of this world because he knows how we struggle with covetousness, pride and the lust of all human pleasures (no matter what that may mean to us individually).

He banks on the fact that we want instant gratification and that we will FORFEIT OUR FUTURE with God to get it!  EEK!!!

The last nail in the coffin comes when we feel guilty for our many failures and Satan whispers that God would never want someone who sins as much as we do to partake in His Kingdom.

HOLD UP!

And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32

None of us DESERVE a spot in heaven.  In fact, we all very much warrant punishment for our sins.

This is the cool part!!!

Jesus came to SAVE US.  He came to take the punishment FOR US.  Jesus SUFFERED so we could LIVE.

We have no clue about the wonders of heaven and all of God’s Glory.  However, through Jesus Christ we have HOPE.

Do not let Satan take the promises of Jesus away from you.  Do not let the world talk you into giving up your today and tomorrows with the protection of Jesus.  And don’t beat yourself up over the sins of your past…ASK FOR JESUS TO SAVE YOU!!!!

In fact, this week as we walk to the cross with Jesus and remember His love for us…TAKE HOLD OF HIS HOPE, LOVE and PEACE that His one act covered us in one fell swoop!!!!

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1John 4:10

Don’t settle for second!!!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 18:3 – When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace.