The Ego Under Temptation!
But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death. Rev. 12:11
Once Jesus had publicly determined to do His father’s will, Satan was after Him relentlessly. The deceiver failed to shake the Lord’s grip on His commitment through the needs of the body, so he tried another tactic. He attacked the needs of the ego. After Jesus’ astonishing ministry of teaching, healing, and miracle-working, the multitudes wanted to make Him king (John 6:15). Here it was-the kingdom, the goal of the Father-handed to Him on a silver platter!
Bit Jesus recognized the snake behind it and turned down the offer. He was strong enough to resist the appeal of popularity, the gratification of the ego. Nothing turns the head so quickly, or softens the will as much, as the appeal and clamor of the crowd. Jesus did not allow Satan to feed his ego, which would have led to catastrophe rather, He submerged His ego in the Father’s will, which led to triumph.
This is how I must walk. My ego is more fragile than my body. If the receiver cannot break, my will tempting my body, he will try to break it by tempting my ego. King David was deceived both ways; through the sexual needs of the body, which resulted in adultery with the Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11); and then through the cravings of his pride, which resulted in taking a census of the people (2 Samuel 24). What sad, painful outcomes from both.!
Jesus defeated the ego temptation by slipping away quietly and communing with His Father, where He strengthened His resolve. So, must I, again, and again, as often as receiver, baits me, for my will and strengthen only as I carefully cultivate it in the presence of my heavenly father.to pray at all times in the spirit (Ephesians 6:18) is the way to put on the full armor of God and dust be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).