Seeing the Full Picture

i've been stunned lately at this passage - Matt. 16:21-28. Jesus tries to explain to his best friends what is scheduled to happen...He will suffer many things and He'll be killed, but then raise to life. Peter, you know... "hot-temptered" Peter, decides that he will not stand for these terrible things happening to his good Friend and Teacher. so he exclaims, "NEVER, LORD!" Jesus acted swiftly to rebuke him. Jesus plainly tells him that he is acting contrary to what God desires. then Jesus goes on to explain that if these men want to truly be followers, they will need to take up their cross (signifying death) and follow Him without reserve.

now that it's 2000 years after all these events happened, and i have the full account of what happened, i believe it's easier to understand all this. i can see the whole picture about Peter and his desire to protect Jesus from all these horrible happenings. and i can see why Jesus quickly reprimanded Peter for the out-burst. Peter had already confessed that Jesus was the Son of the living God (v. 16), and then he forgets all he's learned regarding what the Messiah must accomplish.

Peter had worldly intentions. they were not necessarily bad (saving someone from harm is not a poor excuse), but not Spirit orientated. Guess he was out of step. often i have good intentions, but they are not what Jesus wants for my life. i tend to think that if it's good, it's gotta be God's way. then i'm reminded of this verse, "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,' declares the Lord." {Is. 55:8} what an amazing journey...

Father, let me know Your voice so that i can understand Your ways. let my head not get in the way of what You have planned. let my mouth be silence when You speak so that i can hear clearly. i ask for a Spirit of revelation and wisdom so that i can know You better. {Eph. 1:17} this is my heart's desire.
through Jesus Christ ~ Amen