Matthew 16:23 – “ But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Preceding this verse, Peter tried to prevent Christ from performing the last stages of that which He came to accomplish. Jesus has told his disciples he would be crucified, buried and raise from the dead 3 days later. Peter rejected such a future and pronounced that no such thing would happen to the Christ.
Peter, not understanding the timing of God, did not understand that Christ was not yet setting up His millennial reign in this iteration of His coming. Jesus came first as the Lamb and one day (at the battle of Armageddon) He will return as Lord. Peter’s bold proclamation against the will of God, Jesus was, after all, the lamb slain before the foundation of the world, put Peter’s will in opposition with God’s will.
Christ’s rebuking of Peter told him first, “get thee behind me.” Christ was ordering Peter to remove himself from out of the way of God’s plan. Either we are in agreement with the plans of God, or we are opposed; there is no middle ground. Secondly, Christ shows the severity of opposing the will of God but calling Simon Peter by the name Satan. If we oppose what God wills to be done, how are we any different than Lucifer, whom ever seeks to oppose the will of Jehovah?
So the devotion today is a charge to petition God to reveal our hearts to ourselves. A cry that begs God to show us if we, too, are opposed in our hearts to what God Wishes to accomplish at Immanuel Baptist Church. Revival has not been seen in America for over a century because two many saints have not desired to receive it (though God desires to send it).
For over a century we have had far too many devils sitting on pews that resist the call to revival, strain against the work of revival, and squash out the embers that could stoke revival.
If Christ were to manifest in one of our worship services, and verbally proclaim a call to join in on revival, what would His response be to your answer in your heart? Would He say, follow me? Or would Christ tell you to get out of His way because you, like Satan, oppose the will of God?
The Holy Ghost has been making that very call to revival in the hearts of our members for over a month. So, how have you answered?
Your fellowservant in Christ, Bro. Jordan Foster
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