“But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”” (Mark 8:33, ESV)
“He was graduated from the finest four-star Christian college. The product of a distinguished evangelical church, he had a good personal grasp of the Scriptures. From a strong Christian family, he was a personable and handsome green shoot -- the whole nine yards! Like many in his league, however, he was riding rather than building on his background. At seminary he was acceptable, certainly not outstanding. He suffered from a severe case of the blahs, turning in papers that would make better kindling than academic projects. He generally frittered away his time.
Toward the end of his four-year tour of divine duty, I had developed an excellent personal relationship and I called him into my office. “Bill, I’m disappointed in you.”
“Really, Prof, why?” His eyed widened and blinked.
“Well, I could be wrong but my evaluation of you is this: you are a ten-cylinder man operating on about three, and comparing yourself with others who have only two.”
The atmosphere electrified. He flushed, stifled internal anger, and left. Apparently, he felt he had been misunderstood and our friendship bond weakened.
In time our rapport was mended. Bill went on to become a military chaplain, serving with distinction and impact. One of the cherished letters in my file is from Bill, thanking me for caring enough to face him with my convictions.” (Howard Hendricks, Footprints, p. 40)
There will come a time in your life when someone sent by God will put you in your place. That person will discipline you or correct you with good intention. That person will not doing be it for personal gain or for spiteful vengeance. Out of care or concern or love for you, the person will challenge a weakness or sin or failure in your thinking. That person will endeavor to get you back on track or going in the right direction. It may be difficult for you to do, but you must not get defensive. You should not cut that person off, become mired in anger, or feel defeated. That person who is sent by God to change your direction or false way of thinking will need to be heard. His or her words will need serious contemplation. You will need to work through your feelings and emotions with your Lord. You will need to carefully re-examine your motives and plans and attitude.
One fateful day, as the disciples were doing ministry near Caesarea Philippi, Jesus told them that He was going to suffer and die for the faith. Peter could not stand to hear such words. He became angry with Jesus (Mark 8:32). Jesus “rebuked Peter” with the words, “Get behind me Satan! …you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man” (Mark 8:33). These were harsh words coming from Jesus. No other disciple in the recorded gospels was treated as harshly. Peter could have become angry and defensive. He could have deserted Jesus’ side. He could have retreated into depression. Instead, Peter continued to mull things over. He continued in ministry, taking Jesus’ words as loving advice from a gracious master.
Many people today are so thin skinned that they fall apart or seek retribution at the slightest offense. Even when someone is right, they will fuss and fume and get defensive over the truth. In the heated exchange between Jesus and Peter, there was every opportunity for Peter to be offended and storm off as other followers of Jesus had done. In John 6, Jesus teachings caused such a stir among His followers that Jesus stated, “Do you take offense at this?” (John 6:61). Some were greatly offended. They left Jesus’ ministry offended at His words (John 6:66). I’ve witnessed this same thing occurring many times in my ministry. During one sermon, I spoke on what the Bible said about divorce. A previously divorced woman became so upset that she left the church. When I spoke in a Bible Study on what the Bible says about the sanctity of life, another member caused me to lose my job. Throughout history, many have taken offense at the truth of the gospel. Many have rejected God’s word.
Peter did not leave Jesus’ side, despite the harsh criticism found in the scripture for today. He remained faithful to Jesus until death. Though seriously rebuked by Jesus, Peter was humble enough to take Jesus’ words to heart. He changed his ways. Because of his faithful responses, Peter became one of the greatest of all the disciples.
If God sends someone to you who speaks the gospel truth, do not take offense where none is due. Do not punish those who speak righteous words to you. Do not show hate or derision toward those who speak the truth in love. It might be that very person who is delivering God’s message directly to your ears. It might be that very person who is going to save your soul. God’s messages come in a variety of forms. At times, God’s message may be hard to swallow but critical for your salvation. Taking offense at the person speaking for God might be the worst thing you could do.
Toward the end of his four-year tour of divine duty, I had developed an excellent personal relationship and I called him into my office. “Bill, I’m disappointed in you.”
“Really, Prof, why?” His eyed widened and blinked.
“Well, I could be wrong but my evaluation of you is this: you are a ten-cylinder man operating on about three, and comparing yourself with others who have only two.”
The atmosphere electrified. He flushed, stifled internal anger, and left. Apparently, he felt he had been misunderstood and our friendship bond weakened.
In time our rapport was mended. Bill went on to become a military chaplain, serving with distinction and impact. One of the cherished letters in my file is from Bill, thanking me for caring enough to face him with my convictions.” (Howard Hendricks, Footprints, p. 40)
There will come a time in your life when someone sent by God will put you in your place. That person will discipline you or correct you with good intention. That person will not doing be it for personal gain or for spiteful vengeance. Out of care or concern or love for you, the person will challenge a weakness or sin or failure in your thinking. That person will endeavor to get you back on track or going in the right direction. It may be difficult for you to do, but you must not get defensive. You should not cut that person off, become mired in anger, or feel defeated. That person who is sent by God to change your direction or false way of thinking will need to be heard. His or her words will need serious contemplation. You will need to work through your feelings and emotions with your Lord. You will need to carefully re-examine your motives and plans and attitude.
One fateful day, as the disciples were doing ministry near Caesarea Philippi, Jesus told them that He was going to suffer and die for the faith. Peter could not stand to hear such words. He became angry with Jesus (Mark 8:32). Jesus “rebuked Peter” with the words, “Get behind me Satan! …you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man” (Mark 8:33). These were harsh words coming from Jesus. No other disciple in the recorded gospels was treated as harshly. Peter could have become angry and defensive. He could have deserted Jesus’ side. He could have retreated into depression. Instead, Peter continued to mull things over. He continued in ministry, taking Jesus’ words as loving advice from a gracious master.
Many people today are so thin skinned that they fall apart or seek retribution at the slightest offense. Even when someone is right, they will fuss and fume and get defensive over the truth. In the heated exchange between Jesus and Peter, there was every opportunity for Peter to be offended and storm off as other followers of Jesus had done. In John 6, Jesus teachings caused such a stir among His followers that Jesus stated, “Do you take offense at this?” (John 6:61). Some were greatly offended. They left Jesus’ ministry offended at His words (John 6:66). I’ve witnessed this same thing occurring many times in my ministry. During one sermon, I spoke on what the Bible said about divorce. A previously divorced woman became so upset that she left the church. When I spoke in a Bible Study on what the Bible says about the sanctity of life, another member caused me to lose my job. Throughout history, many have taken offense at the truth of the gospel. Many have rejected God’s word.
Peter did not leave Jesus’ side, despite the harsh criticism found in the scripture for today. He remained faithful to Jesus until death. Though seriously rebuked by Jesus, Peter was humble enough to take Jesus’ words to heart. He changed his ways. Because of his faithful responses, Peter became one of the greatest of all the disciples.
If God sends someone to you who speaks the gospel truth, do not take offense where none is due. Do not punish those who speak righteous words to you. Do not show hate or derision toward those who speak the truth in love. It might be that very person who is delivering God’s message directly to your ears. It might be that very person who is going to save your soul. God’s messages come in a variety of forms. At times, God’s message may be hard to swallow but critical for your salvation. Taking offense at the person speaking for God might be the worst thing you could do.