Satan offered Jesus a short-cut to glory. For the last wilderness test, the temptation of convenience was for sale. And with the worldly kingdoms on display, this was how the sales pitch went:

Satan: “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”

Jesus: “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”  – Matthew 4:9-10 NKJV

Scholars note the emphasis of the verb in Satan’s offer means “just once”. In other words, he’s saying, “Just acknowledge me as the one in charge, then you can avoid the cross and still get the kingdom.” But the cross was the very reason He came and what moved Him forward. It was the price of redemption and He loved us too much to take short-cuts.

Satan still seeks worshipers through false religions, self-centered pursuits, and other offerings, but only God is worthy of worship. He is the only one worthy of titles such as: Creator, Almighty God, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Ancient of Days, The Great I Am, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace and Savior! How will you acknowledge Him today, and what service will you offer?