***
It’s amazing to me how quickly technology changes. Even as late as college, I remember walking downtown to the local Blockbuster to rent the latest flick.
But nowadays people just use their smart tv’s. Some children haven’t known life without Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Netflix.
***
Last year, one of the most popular television shows was the HBO special, Game of Thrones.
It was a twisted series involving numerous battles and betrayals as people risked their lives to be crowned ruler of the seven kingdoms.
Nearly 20 million people tuned in to watch the show’s final episode.
Since, some people – I’d call them “superfans” – have even made pilgrimages to the places where the show was filmed, including Iceland and Croatia.
I suppose being “on site” makes the show feel all the more real.
***
As captivating as that show may be, the real game of thrones takes place in today’s Gospel.
This is no fantasy.
Two real beings are vying for power: It’s the kingdom of God versus the kingdom of darkness, Jesus versus Satan.
Place your bets and take your side, because the stakes cannot be any higher: the winner determines the course of human history.
***
Just as “super-fans” visit the sites where “Game of Thrones” was filmed, so Christians visit the very mountain where Jesus was tempted by Satan.
I’ve been blessed to see it myself.
Standing in the desert on that dusty red mountain draws you right into the action, reminding you that this battle between good and evil still takes place inside every human heart.
And ironically enough, the mountain itself is filled with temptations.
***
For example, upon arriving at the base, we must decide whether we will climb the mountain like Jesus did…
Or avoid the desert heat, pay a small fee, and ride the air-conditioned gondola to the top?
Most people take the gondola.
Temptation number one: taking the easy way out this Lent.
***
After coolly coasting to the summit, we’re faced with yet another temptation: to pray or not to pray.
Sitting here, I’m sure we’d all say we’d find a quiet place to pray; we’re standing on holy ground!
But things change once you reach the top, because you’re surrounded by other pilgrims anxious to squeeze in a selfie. After all, the surrounding views are stunning.
Most pilgrims give in, turn their cell phones around, snap a pic and post it on Instagram with a hashtag like, #GameOfThrones…or #JesusWasHere.
Temptation number two: getting distracted, forgetting to pray this Lent.
***
Now heaven forbid we break a sweat. It’s hot up here!
Before we get burned, then, we can ride that air-conditioned gondola right back down the mountain, where we’re faced with a final temptation…
To fast or not to fast.
Although Jesus fasted in this very spot for 40 days and 40 nights, he didn’t have a buffet -style restaurant appropriately called Temptation waiting for him at the bottom of the mountain.
But we do.
How can anyone resist endless amounts of lamb kabobs and hummus after such a long day spent in the sun? It’s time to celebrate.
Temptation number three: neglecting to fast this Lent.
***
Though we may not find ourselves in the Holy Land this Lent, we’ll still face our share of temptations.
We must decide whether we will take the air-conditioned gondola up the mountain, so to speak, or climb the mountain with Jesus.
Will we be disciplined, fasting like Jesus did, praying like Jesus did, being generous like Jesus was?
Or will the busyness of life take over, distracting us from real spiritual growth?
***
This is the true game of thrones – the battle between good and evil, a battle that’s unfolding inside our very own hearts. But only we can decide who will be crowned as king.
Over the next 40 days, our actions will speak for themselves, revealing who our master is.
Time to start climbing; the battle has begun.