27 APRIL 2018 -Matthew 16:23 (NIV)

27 APRIL 2018 -Matthew 16:23 (NIV)

Scripture

23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Reflection

What would make Jesus speak so harshly to Peter, his closest friend? Just prior to this statement from Jesus, Peter has told Jesus that he would never suffer at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed or I suppose from the text, be raised on the third day. (Matthew 16:21-22) The cross, an instrument of death, was and is the wisdom of God. Concerning Jesus, we read:

Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.
11 After he has suffered,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;

To some this is a stumbling block, to others it’s just foolishness but to God it’s wisdom. Listen to the wisdom in the cross of Jesus (Ps. Dale).

Thoughts for the day

  • What does this passage tell us about God and people?
  • What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
  • What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
  • Who can you encourage with this story/message?

Prayer

Pray for the Thailand Team going to work with House of Grace is a rescue home for girls in danger of being bought and sold into prostitution. They leave today.

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By |2018-04-22T10:46:43+08:00April 27th, 2018|Categories: Week 4|Comments Off on 27 APRIL 2018 -Matthew 16:23 (NIV)

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Con Loggenberg is a native South African and the Discipleship Director at Shanghai Community Fellowship (SCF). He holds a B.Sc. degree and a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Quantity Surveying, a B.Th. (Hons) degree in Theology and an M.Th. degree in Theology. He and his Texan wife, twin boys and daughter live in Shanghai, China.