Listen

Next the devil led him to a high place and showed him in a single instant all the kingdoms of the world. The devil said, “I will give you this whole domain and the glory of all these kingdoms. It’s been entrusted to me and I can give it to anyone I want. Therefore, if you will worship me, it will all be yours.”

Jesus answered, “It’s written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him.”

Luke 4:5-8

Think

Today we read of Jesus’ second temptation in the wilderness. He’s offered earthly power and might, the glory that comes from ruling over all the kingdoms of the world.

In a sense, what the devil is proposing even sounds like it’s in line with Jesus’ destiny – true eternal glory! But the earthly influence and glory on offer to Jesus here are actually just a cheap version of what is rightfully his. And it comes at a high price; “Worship me,” says the devil.

While you and I won’t ever literally be offered the kingdoms of the world, we’re often tempted to grab at any influence we can get. Followers, clicks, and likes are measures of success, prestige, and power in our connected world.

But this kind of influence comes at a high price when we have to filter our life, always stopping short of showing our true self. And I’ll tell you, what’s on offer is only a cheap version of what is rightfully yours – not eternal glory, but love and belonging and connection.

Meredith Forssman

Pray

God, you’ve made me lovingly in your image. You created me for relationship and connection.

Let me rest in your love, just as I am.

Free me from the ways I seek validation and affirmation, power and influence that only leave me feeling empty.

Lead me into more authentic ways of being.

Amen.

Go

Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Charlotte Elliott in “Just As I Am” (1834)