“Your Sacrifice In The Lord Shall Be Rewarded Accordingly!”

“Your Sacrifice In The Lord Shall Be Rewarded Accordingly!”
Over the years I have come to realise that people for various reasons hardly pay attention to what is being said.
If Peter had been following the trend of Jesus’ teachings, he would not have had to take Jesus aside to rebuke him when Jesus told them about his eventual suffering, death and resurrection.
By the way what do you hear when you listen to others? Most times we hear what we want to hear, not what was said. This is why there is always an unintended consequence to any heard message!
The probability is that Peter heard that part of suffering and being killed, but he did not consider “and on the third day be raised to life” part. It is always good to listen and appreciate the story or speech in its entirety!
Away from that, Jesus told Peter, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
Peter rebuked Jesus because he thought Jesus was on a suicide mission. Peter was genuinely concerned from a human perspective.
Questions to ponder: Do you really have in mind the things of God when you do certain things in God’s name or you do it with the things of men in your mind? How often are you a Satan, a stumbling block to Jesus when you claim to be concerned for him?
When you embark on a course for justice and truth, many are the Peters who will take you aside and tell you “leave this matter. You are risking your life!” Discipleship goes with the readiness to die for the sake of the gospel of truth, justice and equity!
After all, Christ will come again with our just rewards(Mtt. 16:21-27).
My friend, Satan entices in many ways right in the presence of God, trying to lure us away from the presence of God. Resist him and he will flee from you. “Come near to God and he will come near to you… Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up”(Jam. 4:6b-10).
When you dwell in the shelter of the Most High, you will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty! He is there to send his angels to guard you in all your ways.(Ps. 91:1ff). Wash your hands clean of sin and purify your double-mindedness! Don’t be proud because “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble!
Prayer: Holy Spirit teach me to submit myself to God in humility and self-denial! Amen!
Have a happy and blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!