1 Peter 3:8-9 & John 18:10-11
If I could have ice cream for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I would. I hope when I get to heaven, that's an option. Of course, without the calories, weight gain, or an upset tummy to follow! Children are very much like this, they don't understand why they can't have junk all day - Call me a child then! Moms and dads know that their children need a balanced diet, and sugar is not a meal. Our children think they know what's best for them, but honestly, how many adults are the same way? We think we know what's best for our lives, even for the direction of our church, without truly seeking God's guidance.
Peter was the same way; throughout scripture, we see his confidence rise. He likes to take control of situations and often thinks he knows better than Jesus. When Jesus predicted his death, Peter said he wouldn’t allow it. Jesus then replies, “Behind me satan” (Matthew 16:21-23). In our verse for today in John 18:10-11, we see that Peter was defending Jesus being taken into custody and cut off the high priest's ear. Another instance is when Peter said he loved Jesus, yet would deny him 3 times. Finally, when Jesus was crucified, all the disciples abandoned him in the moment, including Peter, the one who said he would never leave him (Matthew 26:33). Peter, all this time, thought he was protecting Jesus at all costs! His actions and love for Jesus actually seem heroic, bold, and admirable from the outside. In reality, he was a stumbling block to the cross. We see time and time again his own selfish mindset getting in the way of Jesus dying on the cross. He meant well, he loved his savior and his friend. He did not understand why Jesus would have to die! However, on the contrary, he did not realize the disunity and division he was actually causing. Jesus even tells him he did not have the concern for God in mind, but only human concerns.
You and I are no different than Peter. We tend to put matters into our own hands, not even acknowledging we could be getting in the way of God! We force our way, we do whatever it takes to protect ourselves. We are quick to think of a backup plan like Peter and think our way out of life's circumstances. In the church, we even have our own attitudes and ideas of how the church should operate, who should preach, or what events we should do. All the while, it's our own personal motives and opinions. I wonder how many in the American church need to grow up and realize they could be the problem with the gospel advancing! Let us learn from Peter's mistakes, and not be quick to think we know it all. As a church and individuals in our personal lives, we must seek God's will. If he does what we hoped for, that's fantastic! If God has other plans, trust that there is a reason why. When it comes to the future of Emmanuel, let's not be like the church of Philippi, who struggled with disunity. Let's genuinely seek God for how we can love one another, be compassionate, and be humble without getting in the way of God's plan! God knows what's best, not us.
If I could have ice cream for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I would. I hope when I get to heaven, that's an option. Of course, without the calories, weight gain, or an upset tummy to follow! Children are very much like this, they don't understand why they can't have junk all day - Call me a child then! Moms and dads know that their children need a balanced diet, and sugar is not a meal. Our children think they know what's best for them, but honestly, how many adults are the same way? We think we know what's best for our lives, even for the direction of our church, without truly seeking God's guidance.
Peter was the same way; throughout scripture, we see his confidence rise. He likes to take control of situations and often thinks he knows better than Jesus. When Jesus predicted his death, Peter said he wouldn’t allow it. Jesus then replies, “Behind me satan” (Matthew 16:21-23). In our verse for today in John 18:10-11, we see that Peter was defending Jesus being taken into custody and cut off the high priest's ear. Another instance is when Peter said he loved Jesus, yet would deny him 3 times. Finally, when Jesus was crucified, all the disciples abandoned him in the moment, including Peter, the one who said he would never leave him (Matthew 26:33). Peter, all this time, thought he was protecting Jesus at all costs! His actions and love for Jesus actually seem heroic, bold, and admirable from the outside. In reality, he was a stumbling block to the cross. We see time and time again his own selfish mindset getting in the way of Jesus dying on the cross. He meant well, he loved his savior and his friend. He did not understand why Jesus would have to die! However, on the contrary, he did not realize the disunity and division he was actually causing. Jesus even tells him he did not have the concern for God in mind, but only human concerns.
You and I are no different than Peter. We tend to put matters into our own hands, not even acknowledging we could be getting in the way of God! We force our way, we do whatever it takes to protect ourselves. We are quick to think of a backup plan like Peter and think our way out of life's circumstances. In the church, we even have our own attitudes and ideas of how the church should operate, who should preach, or what events we should do. All the while, it's our own personal motives and opinions. I wonder how many in the American church need to grow up and realize they could be the problem with the gospel advancing! Let us learn from Peter's mistakes, and not be quick to think we know it all. As a church and individuals in our personal lives, we must seek God's will. If he does what we hoped for, that's fantastic! If God has other plans, trust that there is a reason why. When it comes to the future of Emmanuel, let's not be like the church of Philippi, who struggled with disunity. Let's genuinely seek God for how we can love one another, be compassionate, and be humble without getting in the way of God's plan! God knows what's best, not us.
Posted in Devotional