21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third daybe raised to life.
22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
23 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 16:21-23, NIV)
Poor Peter. He kept trying to tell Jesus how things should be. One would think after getting this kind of rebuke from Jesus, he might think twice before doing it again.
Perhaps before we wag our finger in judgment on Peter, we should check ourselves. I know there have been times in my own life when I haven’t liked the plan God has for me and I try to correct him. As if I would know better than God?
There are numerous reminders in the Bible that we just don’t think like God. When we realize this our tendency is to say something like, “God’s ways don’t make sense.”
So I guess we have a choice to make. I think I’m going to work to trust God. He made the universe. He made me…us. He has the big picture in view. Maybe instead of trying to tell him what to do, it would be wiser to believe he really does have our best interest in mind.
PRAYER: God, be God. I confess that’s not always my first choice. Forgive my short-sighted attempts at running my life. Help me not only to believe, but to live in to the truth that you have the big picture and what’s best for me in sight. Thanks and amen.
Pot of Manna 