A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

IT MATTERS WHO YOU WORSHIP

Matthew 4:8-9 “Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will bow down and worship me.”  

The Church of Satan (CoS) is a religious organization dedicated to the religion of Satanism as defined by Anton Szandor LaVey. Founded by LaVey, in San Francisco in 1966, it is considered the "oldest satanic religion in continual existence", and more importantly the most influential, inspiring "numerous imitator and breakaway groups". According to the Church, Satanism has been "codified" by LaVey as "a religion and philosophy" and his church. Founded in an era when there was much public interest in the occult, witchcraft and Satanism, the church enjoyed a heyday for several years after its founding. Celebrities attended LaVey's satanic parties and he was invited on talk shows. His Satanic Bible sold nearly a million copies.  

 Yes, there are people who actually bow down and worship Satan. Since about one million Satanic Bibles have been sold, the number is most likely greater than a few. When Satan told Jesus to bow down and worship him, he was not proposing the formation of the church of Satan or a religion of Satanism. He was telling Jesus to acknowledge him as GOD! 

One does not have to join an organized Satanic church to bow down and worship Satan. The First Commandment gives insight as to what Satan was asking Jesus. Satan was asking Him to no longer be in awe and reverence Yahweh, stop trusting in Him with all of His heart, soul, mind, and spirit and to instead trust in himself, someone else, and/or Satan himself. 

Satan’s goal is simply to turn your heart away from God. For Eve he used a piece of fruit; For the Children of Israel a golden calf; for you your possessions? Profession? Standing in your community? Or whatever he believes will seduce, deceive, and lead you into unbelief and despair. That is what he attempted to do to Jesus. Read tomorrows devotion to learn how Jesus dealt with this temptation. . .  

Prayer: Lord, send Your Holy Spirit into my heart to work through Your Word and the Sacraments to strengthen me in my faith and trust in You, O Holy Trinity and resist Satan’s temptations. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(Today’s hymn verse is only one verse from “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God --- Verse 3) 

Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us;  We tremble not, we fear no ill;
They shall not overpow’r us.
This world’s prince may still  Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none.  He’s judged! the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.  (LSB 656, verse 3)