Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” [Matthew 16.23]
As I read this today, I felt great conviction for my own perspective of all things. Specifically, I realized how much I gravitate to a human point of view (and not a God point of view). I think anyone who has followed my responses over the years here in this blog will agree that my responses very much reflect a human point of view.
Jesus cut right to the chase with Peter. He addressed Peter's condition without regard for feelings calling Peter "Satan" because of his humanistic view of Jesus. Wow, it wasn't long before (just a few verses back) that Jesus blessed Peter for his God-perception of Him (Jesus). What a change!
Also, it is noteworthy that Jesus evidently was most tempted with the potential of abusing His authority as the Son of God. He told Peter (in His rebuke) that he was a "dangerous trap". Jesus recognized the certain perilous outcome if He became distracted from the cross and succumbed to the pressure of embracing an earthly kingdom. Now THERE is a lesson!
Father, there is so much "soul" food in today's OYB reading that I am almost overwhelmed with it all. You know my heart and my own personal distraction with the world. Please grant me the nourishment from Your Word to overcome the temptation to give in to embracing all things earthly. Help me to see from Your point of view and not my own!
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