Week 38 Luke
Matthew Mark & Luke all mention the Temptation of Christ.
In that story the Devil says something that’s pretty interesting. It’s during the second temptation when that weird almost semi-visionary & anti-gravity event occurs: the Devil took (Jesus) up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. It seems fantastical – an extraordinary display of brute power. Then the Devil says that if the Lord will worship him he – the Devil – will turn over the kingdoms of the world to him – the Lord. What caught my attention was what the Devil said next: I will give you the glory of the kingdoms and authority over them – because they are mine to give to anyone I please.
That’s a dramatic claim: they are mine to give to anyone I please!
I know the Devil isn’t hand-cuffed by having to tell the truth so the claim might be a lie. But the Lord doesn’t challenge him on it (I know that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a lie but I’m surprised the Lord totally disregards the kingdoms-are-mine claim).
Anyway what concerns me most is that if it actually is true – that the Devil really does have authority and a kind of ownership over the nations of the world – then what?
Well…for starters it complicates things for everyone living on earth. And personally & specifically it complicates things for me living here in Medicine Hat Alberta.
Note: quotes from Luke 4:5, 6 (NLT)