Let’s Make a Deal

I’m sure you have all seen the game show, “Let’s Make a Deal”. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a television program where people dress up in costumes trying to get the attention of the host, hoping to be chosen for the opportunity to win cash or prizes. The contestants are usually given a choice between taking cash, a prize, or sometimes what is hidden behind a curtain. However, there is a prize category called a “zonk” which could be anything from a broken down bicycle to a donkey!

What makes the game show intriguing is the contestants are always being tempted to give up what they know they have for something else. Even when they can see the cash or the prize, when given a choice the majority of the contestants seem to go for what they can’t see behind the curtain. Why? Because they are hoping to win something bigger and better. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work out for the contestant very often and I am always baffled by their choice. Why would someone give up something valuable they already have for something that potentially has no value at all?

Isn’t it funny though, how we all seem to fall for the curtain at one time or another? When Jesus died on the cross, the veil (curtain) of the temple was torn (Matthew 21:51) giving believers complete access to everything the Father has for us. It was then Jesus became our righteousness, and soon thereafter the Holy Spirit became our indwelling advocate to the Father. We were given the gift of being able to communicate to God directly. Our righteousness is a result of our personal relationship with Jesus. We have been given the prize that was once behind God’s curtain, absolutely free and no “zonk” about it. Yet somehow the allure of receiving something better intrigues us to the point of getting caught in the tempter’s snare. It’s as if we don’t believe God gave us everything when He gave us the gift of His son, Jesus.

I can guarantee you, whatever you find behind the Devil’s curtain will only bring temporary happiness. What God revealed when His curtain was torn IS eternal life. Remember the enemy who is constantly trying to persuade you to choose what is behind his curtain is the same enemy who took Jesus to the top of the mountain and told Jesus if he would only bow to him, all the world would be his (Matthew 4:9). This wasn’t the only time Jesus would be tempted, but Jesus always chose truth over deception because He knew Satan could never outdo His Father. Not to mention, the prize wasn’t even Satan’s to give away.

What curtain is the enemy trying to tempt you to look behind? Is he whispering in your ear and trying to offer you a lucrative deal, like he was Jesus? There is a wise saying, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

How do you tell if it is a good deal? Ask yourself this question, “What will it cost me?” Remember, you didn’t pay anything for your salvation. It was free because of God’s redeeming love. Jesus paid the price and the Father showed you right up front what was behind the curtain.  A total access pass to the Father! A priceless gift.

If looking behind another curtain could cost you your integrity, your family, friends and most of all your relationship with Christ it is not worth choosing, because it could cost you everything.

The deal you make with the devil will always be a “zonk”. The only thing behind Satan’s curtain is the lie that you will get something better by choosing him. Satan can’t be honest and tell you he has no power or authority to offer you anything better. After all, he is called the father of lies (John 8:44).

What deal will you make? The Truth of Christ or the deception of the Devil. Watch out for the “Zonk”!