February 26th, 2026
by James McRae
by James McRae
"Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”
The final temptation is not really about kingdoms—it’s about allegiance. The devil offers Jesus influence, authority, and visible success, but at a hidden cost: worship. It is the oldest lie in the book—gain the world, shift your loyalty, compromise just a little. Jesus’ response is sharp and decisive. He does not negotiate. He does not consider the offer. He draws a clear line: “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” In other words, some things are not for sale.
This moment reveals something crucial about the spiritual life: we become like what we worship. Worship is not just what we sing; it is what we serve. It is what we organize our lives around. It is what we protect, pursue, and prioritize.
The temptation here is subtle because the goals don’t sound evil. Who wouldn’t want influence, reach, impact? But Jesus refuses to build God’s kingdom with Satan’s methods. He will not shortcut obedience, even for a seemingly good outcome. Lent invites us to examine our own loyalties. What do we serve when no one is watching? What do we obey when God’s way feels slower, harder, or less rewarding? What do we protect at all costs?
When Jesus chooses worship, something beautiful happens: “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” Provision follows obedience. Strength follows faithfulness. God does not abandon those who honor Him. Right worship is not just about songs—it’s about surrender. It’s about deciding, again and again, who sits on the throne of our lives.
Today, ask yourself gently but honestly: Who or what am I really serving? And then, like Jesus, choose to realign your heart with God alone.
Prayer:
Lord, I choose You above every competing loyalty. Guard my heart from subtle compromises and misplaced worship. Teach me to serve You only and trust You completely. Amen.
The final temptation is not really about kingdoms—it’s about allegiance. The devil offers Jesus influence, authority, and visible success, but at a hidden cost: worship. It is the oldest lie in the book—gain the world, shift your loyalty, compromise just a little. Jesus’ response is sharp and decisive. He does not negotiate. He does not consider the offer. He draws a clear line: “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” In other words, some things are not for sale.
This moment reveals something crucial about the spiritual life: we become like what we worship. Worship is not just what we sing; it is what we serve. It is what we organize our lives around. It is what we protect, pursue, and prioritize.
The temptation here is subtle because the goals don’t sound evil. Who wouldn’t want influence, reach, impact? But Jesus refuses to build God’s kingdom with Satan’s methods. He will not shortcut obedience, even for a seemingly good outcome. Lent invites us to examine our own loyalties. What do we serve when no one is watching? What do we obey when God’s way feels slower, harder, or less rewarding? What do we protect at all costs?
When Jesus chooses worship, something beautiful happens: “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” Provision follows obedience. Strength follows faithfulness. God does not abandon those who honor Him. Right worship is not just about songs—it’s about surrender. It’s about deciding, again and again, who sits on the throne of our lives.
Today, ask yourself gently but honestly: Who or what am I really serving? And then, like Jesus, choose to realign your heart with God alone.
Prayer:
Lord, I choose You above every competing loyalty. Guard my heart from subtle compromises and misplaced worship. Teach me to serve You only and trust You completely. Amen.
Posted in LENT
James McRae
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Lent Day 12 - Psalm 150:1-6Lent Day 1: Joel 2:12–13Lent Day 2: Psalm 51:1–2Lent Day 3: Matthew 4:1–2Lent Day 4 - Matthew 4:4Lent Day 6 - Luke 5:10–11Lent Day 7 - Luke 5:10–11Lent Day 8 - John 1:38–39Lent Day 9 - Jeremiah 2:8Lent Day 10 - 1 Kings 18 and 19Lent Day 11 - John 4:13-14Lent Day 5 - Matthew 4:10–11
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