Genesis 13:1 And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. 2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
The Christian in our day who is reading these verses and comparing them with those dire financial straits he or she might be in, might be driven to conclude that there must be a missing link somewhere, since it might seem as if those passages are farfetched of fulfilment on a personal level. Then, to make matters worse, the devil also seems to offer success, albeit on very different terms and conditions. In fact, many have been led to believe that there’s more success on Broadway than on the strait way, and for this reason, many Christians have seriously considered jumping ship.
[The Desire of Ages pp 129] Jesus was victor in the second temptation, and now Satan manifests himself in his true character. But he does not appear as a hideous monster, with cloven feet and bat's wings. He is a mighty angel, though fallen. He avows himself the leader of rebellion and the god of this world. Placing Jesus upon a high mountain, Satan caused the kingdoms of the world, in all their glory, to pass in panoramic view before Him.
The sunlight lay on templed cities, marbled palaces, fertile fields, and fruit-laden vineyards. The traces of evil were hidden. The eyes of Jesus, so lately greeted by gloom and desolation, now gazed upon a scene of unsurpassed loveliness and prosperity. Then the tempter's voice was heard: “All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If Thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be Thine.
Matthew 4: 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and shews him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him “All these things will I give you, if thou will fall down and worship me.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!