Be led by the spiritual picture-from God's perspective

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | June 1, 2023 | Matthew 16:22-23

KEY VERSE:

“…you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew 16:23c (NIV)

MESSAGE:

In today’s text, we see Peter taking Jesus aside, rebuking him, and trying to give him human assurance, that, “far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to you!” Remember in our passage yesterday, we understood that Jesus had already made up His mind because of the Heavenly Assurance he had received from the Father. Peter’s assurance was therefore irrelevant to the decision whether or not to go to Jerusalem to fulfill His mission.

On the other hand, Peter could also just be protecting his investment. “Then Peter said, see, we have left all and followed you.” (Lk 18:28). Indeed He sacrificed his career and everything to follow Jesus, how could He say He was going to die? That is not possible! And that was a very natural reaction to such devastating news from Jesus.

The master rebuked the devil who He discerned was inciting Peter against the will of God, and indeed that is his nature. Peter in an earlier moment, when he viewed things from the perspective of God, discerned the identity of Jesus. But, in the next moment started viewing things from a human perspective and allowed the devil to ride on that to dissuade Jesus from completing his mission.

FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE:

It is very easy to switch sides between working for God and being used for His kingdom agenda, and the next moment becoming a tool in the hands of the devil to destroy God’s work. We must be mindful of whose perspective we are viewing situations from; God’s perspective (spirit-led) or the devil’s perspective (flesh/self-led). Let us strive to be led by the Spirit of God; it is our best bet to remain in the will of God.

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, lead me by your Holy Spirit. Let me walk in your will and in your way. For your dear name’s sake. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!