“And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s” (Mark 8:32-33).
The rebellion causes us to look at things from our point of view. Our point of view is perverted, trapped in time, and driven by the self. We are not the Creator, but the created. The opposition (for this is what the word Satan means) is opposed to what God is doing. God is love. The opposition is hatred against God, and therefore, love. You are invited to cease hating and learn how to love.
Lord, I am a bunch of self-centered nerves, seeking what I want and wanting what I want and how I want it. It never has worked out right, but I seek this none-the-less. Guide me out of my narcism and into the light of Your love. When I rebel, humble me and by Your mercy, begin with me again and place me on the narrow path of submitting to the Father’s will. Lead me so that I may be created by You rather than pretending that I am creating myself.
Lord Jesus, You are my Savior. You know all that I need and what hinders me on the path of salvation. Help me hear Your rebukes and heed Your warnings. Create in me a clean heart that seeks to learn how to love as You love. Guide me in Your goodness all the days of my life so that I may humbly walk in all of Your ways. Be the One who is leading me always and help me learn humility. Amen.
