Anytime an individual loses a lofty status, there is something inside that churns souls to regain that which was lost. This same passion was present inside Lucifer once expelled from heaven along with a third of the angels. Satan’s secret ambition is revealed during Jesus’ fast prior to beginning His earthly ministry. Bitterness, revenge and selfishness fueled this arch angel, waiting for a chance to get pay back.
You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you, Ezekiel 28:14-15.
According to the Gospels, the first 4 books of the New Testament, Jesus withdraws into the wilderness, a barren region filled with sand, scorpions and serpents. Hungry and weakening due to the heat, Satan implements a set of 3 challenges to the son of God. Jesus passes the first test by quoting scripture. Satan replies with another passage from the Old Testament. Although Jesus could have fulfilled the second request, this required Jesus to call upon angels for selfish reasons, similar to Jim Carrey in Bruce Almighty.
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,” Matthew 4:8-9.
Passing the first two tests with flying colors, Satan offers Jesus the earthly authority Adam lost in the Garden of Eden after failing to keep God’s only rule. Satan doubled down, desperately seeking praise from God in the form of Jesus bowing down. Despite a lack of food and sleep, Jesus refused to give into temptation, relying on the Word of God to do the right thing. Although, Satan did achieve his ultimate goal when Jesus was crucified on a cross, victory only lasted a few days before the resurrection sealed his fate. In view of Jesus’ final battle, remember that Jesus conquered death so that you and I might live in Him.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 