Rock Solid Confession
Toni Babcock
Often after some mountain top experience with the Lord, in some humbling way we are reminded we are still human, and we most certainly are still sinners.
It happened to Peter after making a rock solid confession of faith when Jesus asked, "Whom say ye that I am?" Peter answered "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus replied, "Blessed art thou Simon Barjona [Peter]; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."
The whole church would be built upon Peter's singular confession of faith, Matthew 16:15-19 KJV. Peter himself re-affirming Christ as the one foundation and true head. 1 Peter 2:5-7 KJV
But notice how quickly the conversation goes sour just a few verses later in Matthew's account. Peter may have misinterpreted the scope of authority invested in him by Jesus. When Jesus foretold His suffering and death at the hands of sinners, Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Be it far from thee Lord: this shall not come unto thee."
In a stunning shift, Jesus replied "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." (Matthew 16:21-23 KJV). Ouch! Satan was attempting to use Peter's fleshly instincts to dissuade Jesus from going to the cross!
Note how Jesus looked past the believing man Peter and addressed Satan who was attempting to use him. We rejoice the devil was foiled.
Did Peter recover from his foible? Of course.
No follower of Christ bowed more humbly, or devoted himself more fully to the cause of uplifting the Savior in the minds of men than did Peter.
Toni Babcock is the author of The Stone Writer. Contact
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