Domes - Our Monthly Newsletter
Dunbar UCC
February 10, 2008
Matthew 4:1-11
No
- Last Sunday I saw the Super Bowl. And some of the commercials were as much fun to watch as the game. I liked the one with the infant investing on the internet and making so much money, he hired a clown to keep him entertained when he wasn’t on the computer. If you look at the commercials, there are messages that companies are paying millions of dollars to sell us. The infant one showed us how to make more money so we could have the financial power to do whatever we want (become like God). One ad showed a woman who wasn’t too physically pretty, but when she used a perfume scented like Planters cashews, she could attract any man she wanted. Power and security and control were regular themes of the ads -- probably they’re the themes of most of the ads we see and hear. Companies are selling us the idea that they can give us whatever it is we lack.
- As entertaining as the commercials were, there weren’t any with the theme: “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and live for the wellbeing of other people.” That’s not a popular message in this world. We live in a society that is focused on “self.” How can I have more control over other people. How can I have more money. How can I attract others? How can I have more fun. How can I do whatever I want? A car commercial showed an expensive, car, and said, “You deserve this.” And as I watched it, I heard myself saying: “Yes George, you do deserve that. You should get one of those. But don’t stop there, because you deserve so much more!”
- Was that me talking to myself, or was it the devil talking to me? I think it was the devil, sitting right there on the couch with me, whispering in my ear. “Of course you deserve that car, George. Stop denying yourself. Buy that for yourself -- and get one for Janet too. Think how much more it will make Janet love you. Listen to me and I’ll show you how to have everything -- power, security, an easy life -- and then, you won’t need God any more. I’ll take care of you.”
- The devil’s message to us is simple: “Live for yourself and don’t bother with God -- let me take care of you.” And judging by the condition of our world -- the devil’s getting through to a lot of people. But Jesus said: “No,” and the devil left. But as the demonic spirit slithered across the sands of the Judean wilderness, Jesus heard it say: “I’ll be back. You can still change your mind. If you follow God, you’ll just be sad, and die a horrible death. But I’ll give you a good and easy life. Give me a chance, Jesus -- I can make you so happy.”