We’ve all seen and heard advertisements that entice us to take
shortcuts to happiness. Buy our product and make no payments for
one year! Instant gratification!
When the devil tempted Jesus (Luke 4:1-13), he offered a
shortcut to “satisfaction.” He tried to tempt Jesus to take
matters into His own hands rather than trust His Father.
When Jesus was hungry from 40 days of fasting (v.2), Satan
suggested that He use His power to turn stones into bread. Had
the Lord done so, He would have been using His powers for His
own benefit, but He refused.
Why didn’t Jesus accept the devil’s offer of ruling all the
kingdoms of the world right away? (vv.5-7). He could have
avoided the cross. But that would have gone against God’s plan
for Him—to give His life on the cross, to be resurrected, and to
sit at the Father’s right hand in His kingdom. Satan’s offer of
a shortcut was no deal at all.
Beware of enticements that seem to cost little for the present.
Satan hopes to get you to do things his way. And he doesn’t give
up easily. Even after Jesus overcame a third temptation, Satan
left only “until an opportune time” (v.13).
Whenever you are offered a shortcut to happiness, watch out to
see who’s behind the cashier’s counter! — C.
P. Hia
Lord, help me see the devil’s offers for what they
are—enticements to sin. Help me to keep my eyes focused on You
and Your Word, and my ears attentive to You in prayer. Amen.
The best way to escape temptation is to run to God.