Scripture

31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Mark 8:31-33

Observation

As Jesus began to explain clearly to the disciples how His life would play out, it became evident to them that it would not be as they had hoped. He had spoken often of a Kingdom, and up to this point they had apparently assumed that it would be established in this natural life, as a political kingdom, like every other kingdom that they had ever known. When He began to tell of His death, Peter pulled Him aside to rebuke Him, probably for giving up or quitting, and chastised His lack of faith. Jesus replied to Peter by challenging his perspective, telling him that he had set his mind on what he wanted out of this situation, instead of focusing on God’s intended purposes.

Application

This morning’s Old Testament reading in the Life Journal was from the book of Numbers, and described an elaborate system of animal sacrifices designed by God as a temporary means of satiating the death penalty of sin. God’s plan, through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, was to permanently satisfy that penalty through the sacrifice of a perfect, sinless life…Jesus’. At whatever level Peter may or may not have understood God’s plan for redemption, Jesus pointed out to him that his thoughts and interests were focused on his own agenda, but they should be set on the things of God. In my daily life, thoughts, and plans, although I may not necessarily be in direct opposition to God’s ultimate plan of redemption, is my heart fixed on God’s kingdom and His righteousness? Am I continually checking my thoughts and motives to be sure that I am walking with the Holy Spirit in the direction of God’s plan and agenda or do I have an agenda of my own?

Prayer

Father, search my heart today and show me any areas of my life where my agenda is in conflict with Yours. I want to walk in step with You, so that my life is constantly available to to be used as an instrument of righteousness, bringing glory to You and fulfilling Your will and plan. Amen

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