He has come for glory and authority, but his glory will be accomplished by Jesus allowing himself to be lifted up on a cross-not by his kneeling before the evil one. His authority will come from God, not Satan. Tobacco companies sponsor photogenic charities which they then use to legitimize their death-dealing business. State governments find it easier to get support for lotteries than for school taxes. Casinos provide jobs for native Americans, but prey on the most vulnerable members of our society.
Executives enhance profits by firing loyal employees.
Schools promote self-esteem by passing students to grades for which they are unprepared. Students pass tests by cheating. Preachers fill the pews by calling people to believe and grow rich rather than to take up their crosses and follow Jesus. Every one of us is vulnerable to the temptation to accomplish good ends by bad means. This is not a Messianic psalm, a promise to protect the Messiah from every harm, but is a hymn of praise for the protection that God affords those who are faithful to God.