One of the things I love about Peter, the disciple of Jesus, is the great opportunities he gave for Jesus to teach us!
Peter said something brilliant when Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” Peter quickly responded, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!”
Now catch Jesus’ reply to Peter: “This was not revealed to you by man, but by My Father in Heaven” (Matthew 16:17).
When I have my mind open to the things of God, the words I use are rock solid: “On this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hades will not overcome it” (verse 18).
But just a couple of verses later, Peter’s heavenly insight vanishes. Jesus told him “you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men” (v. 23). Jesus went even further to say that Peter’s words were a “stumbling block” to Him.
Did you notice the contrast? My Father spoke to your mind versus You aren’t listening to God but to man.
The difference is in my agenda: I can either try to “gain the whole world” for myself (v. 26), or I can “deny [myself] and take up [my] cross” to follow Jesus (v. 24).
Following God’s agenda = a solid foundation.
Following my agenda = a stumbling block to the work of Christ.
It’s my choice. And your choice too.
