God Things

 Matthew 16:23  "Get behind me, Satan.  You are a stumbling block to me, you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of man."   In the past, whenever I've read this verse, my focus was on the first few words. I often thought how they must have hurt or offended or even shamed Peter.  But, the point of this verse is not found there. The meat of this passage and when Jesus tells Peter that his earlier refutation of His future is because of Peter's lack of understanding about "God things".  This trip to Jerusalem, the horror of Christ's suffering, the murder of the Messiah and the glory of His resurrection are all apart of a plan--God's plan.

While the kiss of betrayal, the abandonment of ALL the followers was absolutely heartbreaking and the abuse and conspiracy of those claiming relationship with His own Father was incomprehensible and horrific, the entirety of this event is the vacating of the tomb! Protection of one's own life and running from the fear of losing it (Matt. 26:56b)and trying to discredit anything that is different from our long held beliefs, the unwillingness to try to learn something new is relatable. The beatings, the accusations, the lies to push your truth, the jealousy that favor is given to the opposition---these are the things of Satan.  His thinking is not welcome in this conversation between Jesus and His disciples.  He wants them to focus on God things.  

God things, like the seeking and saving of the lost (Lk. 19:10); the not repaying hurts from others (Matt.5:39); the being joyful in suffering (Jam. 1); and to sacrificing self (John 15:13) and oh, so many more!  The Bible is chock full of God things.  Its a whole new mindset.  So many verses say, "you've heard it said, but I.....".  God things are discussions of the Spirit, of baptism, of perseverance and of Love! (I Cor 13)

Peter wasn't arguing with Jesus.  He just wasn't thinking the right way.  Peter was concerned about the loss of Jesus leaving them. He could have been wondering what they would do next after three years with Messiah and no He is leaving.  These disciples were with Jesus every single day.  It only makes sense that they would all grieve when He left. (John 16:6).  Jesus reminds them over and over that when He Himself goes to His Father, the God things aren't over.  He sends the Holy Spirit to empower and encourage and indwell them.  He also promises in the end of both Matthew and Revelation that He will never leave them or us!!!  

Like Peter, I sometimes, lose focus on God things and let things of the world or Satan grab hold of my mind and my thoughts.  I believe it is possible to 'take every thought captive."
I believe that focusing on "God things" Phili.4:8 will change our habits and that when our habits change, our focus changes.  Hearing Deity say "Get behind me Satan, you are a stumbling block", would be the worst imaginable, but reading about this and studying His word strengthens our resolve.  God things---God's plan--He teachings--His purpose for us--these enable us to imitate the mission of those righteous ones who understood this.  Lord, help our understanding---keep human things out. 

Blessings!
Neva

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