From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” ~ Matthew 16:21-23 (ESV) Peter had the habit of opening his mouth and shoving in his foot. Just moments before he rebukes Jesus he called him the Christ, the Son of the living God so he knew who he was speaking to. He was telling the very person he knew to be the Son of God he was wrong! He was saying Christ didn’t know what he was talking about! He was going prevent Jesus from the crucifixion. Even though Peter often spoke without thinking we shouldn’t be unsympathetic of him at all. How many times have we resisted the will of God? How many times have we said no to God? We have all done that and more than likely still do from time to time. We, like Peter, want things our way. We like it when we’re in charge and get to make the choices. Peter would have preferred that Jesus not go to the cross and thereby set up his kingdom on earth right then. Of course, Peter would have been a very important person in that kingdom. That was Peter’s way, the way of a man. Christ’s way was far better for us, and for Peter. We have to realize that when we feel the tug of the Holy Spirit pulling us in an uncertain direction we must not resist. God’s plan, his will for our lives is better than anything we could ever dream. - bchopkins
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 13:34:59 +0000
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