Hearing His Voice #276

Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Matthew 16:23

Peter was not Satan. In fact, just a few moments before, he had spoken words that could only have come from God, declaring Jesus to be the Christ. On such the Kingdom would be built, Jesus said. But now Peter was expressing words that didn’t come from God. He wanted to protect Jesus from execution. If heeded, his words would have prevented the Cross, which paid for the sins of the world and saved all who believe.

Words of concern are not always words from God. We may receive all kinds of counsel from people who care about us, but it may prove to be unwise or wrong. It may appear true because of the trust we have established in our relationships, but it’s coming from the person’s own desires, not God’s Spirit. The human point of view isn’t always wrong, but God’s point of view is always true, and it’s often surprising. He has led people to do “dangerous” things or make “foolish” decisions that few others understand. When we know He has spoken, the approval of others becomes a nonissue. His is the only voice we need to hear.

Develop tunnel vision when it comes to doing what God has said. That’s what Jesus did; He set His face resolutely toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). He knew His assignment, and no advice, no matter how well intentioned, would cause Him to deviate from it. We must have a singular focus if we are going to hear God and fulfill what He says. When we do, He rewards us with the fruit of faith and obedience and accomplishes His will through us.

Lord, refine my focus. No one’s opinion matters to me as much as Yours does. No loving, compassionate counsel can sway me if it deviates from Your words. Give me the strength to commit to only what You say, and honor my resolve to do it.