We Are Responsible For The Devil's Hold On Worldly Power

            In Luke, Chapter 4, we read that Jesus was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit.  It is here that he encountered the devil, who wished to end Jesus’ ministry before it truly began.  I always found very curious the section where the devil tells Jesus that all of the power and glory of the kingdoms of the world have been handed over to him (and subsequently, he would hand it all over to Jesus if he would simply worship him).

            I always assumed that it was by the hand of God that the kingdoms of this world had been handed over to the devil, for who else could have such authority?  Why would God do this?  Why would God open the door for the wolf to enter?

            Then it struck me.  God did not hand over the powers and kingdoms of this world to the devil…we did through our abuse of free will.  Like a drug peddler, satan offered the pleasures of this world to humanity for free; and once these passions were given indulgence by us, he kicked in the door, claimed his stake and demanded payment.

            It is through humanity’s insistence of self-actualization, its ignorance of God’s plan and its stiff neck and unbending knees that we continue to keep the devil here on this earth.

            And so it is that satan offers each and every member of our human race the promise of power and pleasure – if we would simply worship him.  There are those who allow this through acceptance; those who openly worship evil; those who create evil; and those of us who, even though we are tempted by evil, fight to overcome and even destroy evil.

            In this spiritual combat, we look always to Christ for his response to such temptations, that we might model him in victory. Jesus admonishes satan and recalls God’s very words that we are to “worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.”  We too must use these same words with this same authority if we are to turn the tides of history.

            As we continue on this desert journey through Lent, I encourage each of you to pick up your holy staff, throw your pack upon your shoulders, fix your gaze firmly upon the destination of Christ’s resurrection and victory over death, and continue on your pilgrim journey toward Easter.