(Read Matthew 16:21-23)
This morning continue our overarching series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing with our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. We have been studying the life of the Apostle Peter and our study brought us to Matthew chapter 16. For a few days now we have been walking our way through verses 21-23. I shared my heart in yesterday’s message. It was really heavy on me and I pray the weight of the message came through in the delivery. I am still meditating off of yesterday and the importance of what Jesus said. Let’s go back to it this morning.
After Peter spoke against what Jesus said, our Lord looked at Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are not helping me! You don’t care about the same things God does. You care only about things that people think are important.”
Once again, Peter only said what he said because he loved Jesus. He did not want to see any harm come to Jesus. What Peter said is completely understandable, but it is also completely human. Jesus was focused on the divine, even if it cost Him His life. Jesus was so committed to the Father and the Father’s purposes that He was prepared to die in the pursuit of purpose. Peter, a man who had just a few minutes prior tapped into revelation from God and been commended for it, dropped back down to living like a mere human, living based on feelings, and was rebuked for it.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. Jesus lived His life with a selfless dedication to the will of the Father, which is the ultimate example of how we are supposed to live.
2. Jesus was misunderstood because He did not live like most people. Jesus was not pursuing selfish desires, He refused to allow Himself to be manipulated by human agendas (His or anyone else’s), and He was led of God’s Spirit in everything He did and said. Once again, this is how we are supposed to live.
3. The plans you made for your life would have been okay, had God not already made plans before you were born. Your task now is to measure your plans with God’s plans. If both sets of plans are not aligned, then one side must change. Let me help you out and tell you that God is not going to change. Living by faith means you willingly die to self; you willingly submit your plans and actions to God and His will for your life.
4. Be careful not to allow feelings to stifle your faith. Jesus was living by faith. Jesus was prepared to die. Peter was moved by feelings and he did not want to see his master put to death. Peter spoke out of feelings and Jesus made it clear that he was motivated by satan and not God. Jesus looked at Peter and rebuked satan, all because Peter allowed his emotions to take him where God’s spirit was not leading him.
5. What are your priorities? What is important to you?
a) Jesus lived His life for one purpose and one purpose only: to do the will of the Father.
b) Peter made the mistake of speaking against the Father’s will, just because it was going to be painful. Guess what? The will of God is not always pleasant. God will lead you to do and endure things that are extremely painful, but don’t fear, He will give you the grace to endure and overcome it. But you must be willing to accept the assignment.
c) If you reject the will of God just because it is difficult or painful, then you are not ready to experience God’s best.
d) When God’s priorities become your priorities, then you are ready to do whatever He leads you to do, even when it will cost you dearly. Rest assured, whatever you suffer now is not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed through it.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. I am on this planet because You sent me here. I was born for Your divine purpose and I live my life in tireless pursuit of mission accomplishment. I live by faith focused on Your will and nothing else. I die to self and selfishness. I don’t allow the pursuit of selfish desires to derail me from the pursuit of purpose. To that end, I declare that I am not moved by feelings. I am moved by faith. By faith I do what You lead me to do, even when it is painful and challenging. I often ask for less challenge and You respond with more grace. So I embrace Your grace to endure and overcome every obstacle, challenge, and fight on the path to my purpose. I have no other desire in life than to do what You sent me here to do. I will accomplish my divine assignment. Not because I am so good, but only because of Your grace! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
