SCRIPTURE: Matthew 16
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. [Matthew 16:17] Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” [Matthew 16:23]
What I find fascinating here is that within one conversation, Jesus suggests that Peter is speaking for God (revealed by my Father) and for Satan (get behind me Satan).
It is fascinating to me, but more than that it is challenging and comforting.
I am challenged when I think that if this happened to Peter, it can also happen to me.
As someone who spends a lot of time reflecting on and communicating God’s message, I am challenged and warned to make sure that when I speak I truly have the things of God in mind, and not just human concerns.
Peter is one of Jesus’ key leaders, but he’s still human, tempted and deceived.
Contrary to what Roman Catholics suggest, Peter is not the rock upon which the church is built, but the confession of who Jesus is – “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” [Matthew 16:16]
The hope of the world, and the strength of the church, is not in us (history shows how often we have become agents of the devil’s agenda), but in Jesus.
All christians, myself included, must continually lay my heart open before the Lord to discern whether I am serving Him or serving the devil’s agenda.
It happened to Peter, it will happen to me.
I am comforted when I think that if this happened to Peter, it will also happen to me.
In other words, Peter was still loved and accepted and used by the Lord.
The Lord does not choose us because we are better than others.
His work through us is evidence of His goodness, not ours.
I know that I have been mistaken in the past, that at times I thought I was speaking for God when it was really sin or selfishness or satan speaking through me.
I know that others have been affected by this too.
If I was the rock – or anyone else – on which the church rested, we would be in trouble.
But this church is a church of sinners saved to serve, of weak and bumbling servants who are testimonies of God’s amazing grace.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. [1 Timothy 1:15-16]
Yes, I can be both a servant of God and a servant of Satan, without realizing it.
This ought to keep me humble and honest, open to correction and gentle rebuke.
But it also ought to remind me that the kingdom of God does not ultimately depend on me, but on Jesus.
And the gates of hell will not prevail again Him!
PRAYER:
Lord, I am both challenged and comforted by this passage. It reminds me of where my hope lies, but also the hope of the church. You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!
Where are my concerns?
Am I a stepping stone or a stumbling block?
Where is my mind – the concerns of God or the concerns of man?
As it was with Peter, so it is of me – my focus is not always Christ-centered. Yet the challenge is for a follower of Jesus to take up the cross and follow Him. And that’s tough. I need to be a soldier of the cross and thus be an example of living for Jesus. That costs. That requires focus. That requires self-sacrafice. That requires servanthood. That requires me to be a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. Not mine will, but Your will be done. That costs.
All too often we feel being used when we go the second mile/kilometre but Christ is in charge and He tells us to follow Him and don’t count the cost. Just do it! Live for Jesus always. Be happy in the Lord. Grab hold of God and pull – put your hand/my hand into the Father’s hand and LIVE!
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
Refrain
Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
Refrain
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
Refrain