“Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me“ (Matthew4:8,9).
TEXT — Matthew4:1-11
The biblical record of the temptation of Jesus Christ by Satan has been a source of diverse instructions for many across the centuries. There are multiple lessons from the timing, the settings, Satan’s effrontery and his ingenuity in attempting to pull down Jesus Christ, his Creator. Why did Satan prefer “an exceeding high mountain” as the site for this temptation? Primarily, the top of the high mountain provided a quick, panoramic view and appreciation of “all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them”, by which he hoped to entice Jesus Christ and coerce Him into a rash decision. This model of Satan’s evil strategies has continued to be effective in destroying many.
Consider the story of Lance Armstrong who became a global icon in professional cycling, after winning the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005. His success was particularly inspiring and celebrated across the globe because he had overcome testicular cancer to achieve the feat. But Armstrong’s dominance in cycling and his global fame led to a sense of invincibility and he descended into systematic doping which he continued to deny. In 2012, however, after years of allegations and investigations, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) published a detailed report accusing Armstrong of leading “the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen.” Armstrong was stripped of his titles and banned from professional cycling for life. His pride and denial of wrongdoing led to his public disgrace, loss of endorsements, and significant damage to his legacy.
Too many people have allowed sin, pride, and ungodly behaviour to bring them down while on the mountain of success in politics, sport, academics, career, wealth, and, regrettably, in Christian leadership! Are you already on the mountain of success and accomplishments? “Watch and pray” always remain the timeless counsel for safety and security to achieve and sustain the same victory that Jesus had over Satan.
Thought for the day
Being on the mountain is no guarantee for remaining on the mountain.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
