Matthew 16:21-23 (HSB)
21 From then on Jesus began to point out to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, “Oh no, Lord! This will never happen to You!” 23 But He turned and told Peter, ”Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns, but man’s.”
How often do we forsake God’s will, or the Goal, for a good thing… or something that feels right? Peter didn’t “feel” like Jesus should have to die. Peter bypassed Truth (what Jesus just told him) for his own feelings about Jesus. God’s reply to Peter’s selfish attitude: Get behind me Satan!
Our feelings ,no matter how well intentioned they may be, do not over-ride Truth. God’s word is our absolute. May we not dilute Truth to accommodate our feelings or preferences!
