Matthew 16:21-23 NLT
From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead. [22] But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. "Heaven forbid, Lord," he said. "This will never happen to you!" [23] 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."
More often than not, in today's Christian context, the phrase 'get behind me Satan' will be used to rebuke a negative word or circumstance.
Though we as Christians are called to have dominion over the earth and subdue it (Genesis 1:26), we are also called to have many tribulations. In fact these tribulations are called the trial of our faith (1 Peter 1:7). Our faith is not one that is ready made in heaven, but one that matures daily here on earth. We are encouraged to endure persecution as a true soldier of Christ! (2 Timothy 2:3). It is in the process of this endurance that our faith grows.
The issue then, is to be able to pick our battles correctly. Though Peter seemed to be showing his love for Christ by rebuking him for succumbing to, and indeed embracing the prospects of an untimely death, Jesus looked beyond the human point of view. We are told later in Hebrews that he endured the cross and the shame because he was able to see the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2).
It's great to be able to show off our trophies and shinning gold medals. But I feel that God is more excited about our scars; for in the process of acquiring them we more often than not 'acquired' God. This is his sole delight. Just as Paul affirmed in Galatians 4:19 (KJV)
'My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you'.
So when you are going through the grind that's supposed to build you up, and you are offered a cheap escape, turn to it and say, 'Get behind me Satan,... You are seeing this merely from the human perspective'!!
Selah
