Matthew 16:21 – 23 ESV From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
“No God! That isn’t the way it is supposed to happen!” Have you ever said that to God? Probably not in so many words, but I’ll bet you have felt it. Christians get an idea of how things should happen and when they happen differently then they become disappointed or angry with God.
Peter had an expectation of what the Messiah would do. He believed Jesus would be a victorious conquering king that would free Israel from Roman occupation and usher in a new golden era of power and prosperity. Peter’s could even point to scriptures that backed up his belief. His theology was not completely wrong, it’s just his timing was a couple thousand years off.
With much clearer historical hindsight, we can see how God’s plan had to unfold as it did to fulfill all of prophecy and God’s promises. For Jesus to conquer death and hell, He first had to die before He could rise victoriously to life again.
God has a plan for us. It is a good plan that is for our benefit. That plan probably has some pain and suffering involved. I remember being “in love” with a woman a few decades ago. She was everything I thought I wanted and she seemed very interested in me. That is until the youth minister (who was/is a really great guy) stole her heart. I was devastated and broken-hearted. However, had I married her I would not have become a missionary, had nine years of amazing experiences, or married my wonderful wife who I met on the mission field.
For other people it may be an illness or the death of a loved one. Perhaps it was a lost job or a failed endeavor. Whatever the circumstances, God didn’t bring about the result that you expected. God didn’t let you down; He just had a better plan. Even if God’s plan doesn’t seem good at the time, if we trust Him and remain faithful, we will eventually see everything work out for the best (Romans 8:28).
Lord, grant me the faith to trust and obey you even when I don’t like or understand the situation I’m in. Give me peace and a contented heart to live in a manner that glorifies You despite disappointments and unexpected circumstances.
One Reply to “Matthew 16:21-23”
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Amen. This musta been our first Bible lesson. Grandma mostly raised Ralph and me (like brothers). Every time something made anybody sad, she would say “God works all things to the good…”, usually followed by “The Lord works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.” It must have sunk in, because I have used it all my life. It seemed so confusing to little kids, but we heard it countless times. Ralph and I have since used it just like she did. Thanks for bringing it up here, it should help us all to remember to “…give thanks in all things…” this holiday !!