God’s ways are not man’s ways and man’s ways are not God’s. If we had been God, our son would have been born in a castle and not in a barn. He would have been heralded by the religious leaders, not condemned. His family would be from royalty, not carpentry. No, God’s ways are not ours.
How about the team Jesus chose to be his disciples, to reveal the Truth that would change the world. We would have chosen the most learned, powerful, and prestigious members of society instead of fisherman and tax collectors and yes harlots. God ways are not like ours; they are magnificently better.
Let’s talk about one of his right-hand men, Simon Peter. A fisherman who often put his foot in mouth and often was a self-promoting braggart. Why did he choose such a man? That’s easy, he chose Simon Peter because he was just like us! I love Simon Peter because I can relate.
Matthew 16 is a fascinating chapter in the bible featuring Jesus’s dealing with Simon Peter. Jesus asked his disciples “Who do men so that I am?” They began to rattle of names like John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Then Jesus asked them all a question that every man who ever lived must one day answer. The question: “Who do YOU say that I am?” Simon Peter declared to Jesus, “You are the Christ the Son of the living God!” Jesus explained to Peter and the rest that this revelation came directly from heaven, from God the Father and not through men. That truth, Jesus declared, was the cornerstone rock that Jesus would build his kingdom on. Then Jesus told Peter and company something very interesting, he tells them to tell no one of this revelation. The most common explanation as to why is because the ministry of Jesus was not quite ready to begin. But there is another reason that is just as important. They would have gotten the message all wrong because as we will see they did not see or understand the full picture.
It was right after Peter’s incredible revelation and profession of faith that Jesus would begin to explain his mission included going to Jerusalem to be persecuted by religious leaders and would suffer and die. Peter’s response to that reality? The Bible tells us that Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked him! “Not so Lord, that will not happen to you,” the servant explains to the master. Jesus’ responds to this rebuke in no uncertain terms as he looks at Peter and declares, “Get behind me Satan!” The words out of Peter’s mouth sounded very familiar to Jesus as he remembers his 40 days and nights in the wilderness. Jesus recalls the words of the tempter as he promised him the crown without the cross! No Jesus was having none of Peter’s advice which tried to circumvent the ways of God for the ways of man.
Christian friends, many times we are just like Peter. Right after tremendous revelation from God, Satan can get hold of our mind and speak with our tongue. Thank God, Jesus loves us enough to chastise and correct us just like he did with Peter because like Peter, he has big plans for those who truly follow him.
