“Again, the devil took Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and said to Him, ‘All these things will I give You, if You will fall down and worship me'” (Matthew 4:8-9).

It is interesting to think about all of Satan’s ploys and schemes to get people to “fall down and worship” him; even offering “all the kingdoms of the world” to Jesus. Oh, how many have taken the bait and sold their souls for fame, fortune and power. Oh, how many have fallen down at the feet of Satan for worldly success, luxurious living and have become an idol of worship and obsequious adulation.

There is something to this “bowing down” that is as “stolen waters and bread eaten in secret” (cf. Proverbs 9:7), that is sweet and full of pleasure for both those who bow and to those receiving the adulation; but in the end the idolatry only leads to death.

Where have we heard of this demand for bowing down? Oh, yes, at the great Statue of Nebuchadnezzar, where it was demanded of all to bow down at the sound of the music (cf. Daniel 3:5). But what of those who do not bow? A fiery furnace awaits them.

Three Hebrews, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, know well of the demand to bow. But for them a “baptism of fire” of another kind was at the ready. A fourth man, the Son of God, of Whom it is to “baptize in the Holy Spirit and Fire” (cf. Matthew 3:11) joined them in the furnace in the Fire of His Presence without a hair of their head singed, or their clothes bear the smell of smoke. “For our God is a consuming Fire” (Hebrews 12:29).

All the Kingdoms of the World is a mighty temptation in our day, as it was to Nebuchadnezzar and so many to follow. Who are those today enticing, then demanding subservience to the latest talisman to bring us all under one rule, and one decree? Will we bow or walk in the fire? Do not let the promise of “all the kingdoms” betray you. There is a greater Kingdom, and worship is due, as Jesus so well said and as it is written, “You shall worship the Lord, thy God, and Him only shall you serve” (Matthew 4:10b).

What is your “kingdom” tempting you? Has it become an obsession? Is it total independence? Be careful. Beware. The subtlety and cunning of the serpent is deceiving. It may not be “all the kingdoms,” it may just be your “kingdom”. Either way, it is a deception. It is lying to you, and it will take you down. Remember the words of our Lord. Wise counsel goes a long way, all the way to eternal life. “The Lord has prepared His Throne in the Heavens; and His Kingdom rules over all” (Psalms 103:19).

What is the Tempter showing you? Where is the Tempter taking you? What offer have you received? Is he asking you to bow? Be wise. Be prudent. Be full of understanding and know the One of Whom you are, the One Who made you and called you to worship and serve only Him.

“O, Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, You Who dwell between the Cherubim; You are the only God; You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth, You Who made the heavens and the earth” (Isaiah 37:16).

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