The Key To A Happy World

The World's Secret Ruler

Satan, the Bible tells us, offered Jesus "all the kingdoms of the world and their glory" in exchange for one act of worship. (Matthew 4;8-10) Essentially, Jesus was offered world rulership-but on the Devil's terms. Jesus did not fall prey to this temptation. Was it really a temptation,though? Could Satan actually make such a grandiose offer? Yes, for Jesus himself called the Devil "the ruler of the world," and the apostle Paul described him as "the god of the system of things." -John 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 6:12.

Of course, Jesus knew that the Devil does not have mankind's best interests at heart. He described Satan as "a murderer" and as "the father of lies and of all that is false." (John 8:44, The Amplified Bible) Obviously, a world "lying in the power" of such a wicked spirit can never be truly happy. ( 1 John 5:19) But the Devil will not have this authority indefinitely. Jesus, now a might spirit creature, will shortly depose Satan and completely eliminate his influence. -Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 20:1-3

Satan himself knows that his days as world ruler are fast running out. Hence, he is making a desperate, all-out effort to corrupt humans beyond reform, just as he did prior to the Flood of Noah's day. (Genesis 6:1-5; Jude 6) "Woe for the earth and for the sea,: says Revelation 12:12, "because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time." Bible prophecy and world events indicate that we are living near the conclusion of this "short period of time." ( 2 Timothy 3:1-5) Relief is now in sight.

Next time: A Government To Bring Happiness

Watchtower, 2001