Erratic Disciples
Today’s reading: Mark 8:22-10:16
My selection: Mark 8:33
33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
My reflections: Jesus’ patience with the disciples is legendary. That doesn’t mean He wasn’t firm and forthright as well. We just saw how they failed to grow in trust of Him from one situation to another (Mark 8:16-18). Now, Peter no sooner makes his bold and clear statement that Jesus is the Christ, than he turns around and rebukes Jesus for the idea that He will suffer, be killed, and rise again after three days.
This is the height of absurdity: rebuking the Son of God, the One he just called “the Christ.” Again we see how prone Peter and the rest were to trust themselves in a tough situation.
My challenge: One of the fundamental commands of the Christian life, designed to keep us out of trouble, is Proverbs 3:5:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Have you learned this basic truth? When you find your own understanding completely reasonable and sensible, yet in conflict with trusting God, beware. Flee to the wisdom of God. Keep trusting Him. Don’t be an erratic disciple.
Tomorrow’s reading: Mark 10:17-12:17