Promised the World

We all face temptations designed to appeal to the lust of the eyes. Dangled in front of our eyes-- either physical or mental-- is something that we might want or must have. And we are tempted to grab it ourselves instead of waiting on God to provide. When Satan tempts Jesus with a view of all the kingdoms of this world, he was tempting him with something that He will one day possess as promised by His Father. But He could have it NOW-- instant gratification-- and He could have it without cost-- painless acquisition. But in the Father's plan, it was the CROSS before the CROWN. The hidden cost of sin, however, was for Jesus to renounce his allegiance to His Father. But Jesus successfully overcome this temptation by first of all removing the object of lust from before His eyes. And then secondly, by pledging allegiance to God and God alone! He was content, willing to wait for His Father to give Him the kingdoms of this world rather than take the shortcut. So, we too need to learn to be content and wait on God to provide for us.