Exodus 32:1-8; Matthew 4:1-11
If you have ever been a leader in any capacity, you will understand that God placed you in that position to take his people from where they are presently, to where He wants them to be, or in the way he wants them to follow. This reason alone, makes the devil to come with every kind of temptation, just to make sure that the leader deviates from following God‘s direction, therefore leading the people astray, and making or becoming an idol for the people.
This is why we need to pray for our leaders, especially those in the church. A single mistake, or giving in to temptation, might be disastrous. Sadly, some followers, instead of praying for the leaders, are the ones tempting the leader. An example is seen in Exodus 32 from verse one; when the people of Israel came to Aaron, asking him to make gods for them, simply because Moses had stayed so long on the mountain.
As leaders, we should take example from Jesus, when He was tempted by the devil. We should:
- Be aware of our responsibilities,
- Not be eager to give in to the demands of the people, even when they are logically correct or even have scriptural backings for their demands, and most importantly,
- Be well-versed with the Scriptures.
Temptations will definitely come. It will come in areas of physical needs and desires, possessions and power, and pride. These were the same areas the devil tempted Jesus in. Jesus is with us and He desires for us to overcome every temptation.
So I pray that may He give us the grace not to live by bread alone, not to put him to test, to always be bold to tell the devil “get behind me Satan,” and to worship the Almighty God alone. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. God bless you .
Papa Mbos 