Yesterday, we read a few verses from Mark 8 in which Peter tried to protect Jesus and their way of life. Peter said, “Don't talk like this, Jesus. Let’s leave and keep you safe.” Jesus chapped him because His course was in line with the Father's plan, and Peter inadvertently tried to derail Jesus. Today, let’s see how serious that rebuke was. Check it out.

“But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” - Mark 8:33, ESV.

Peter thought he was protecting Jesus, but he was actually helping the devil. Satan had previously tried to redirect Jesus from the plan. He had tempted Jesus three times in the wilderness to give up. Jesus would not budge then, and He wasn't budging for Peter either. No one would stop Him from doing what He came to do: die for sin.

But notice something often overlooked in the verse. Jesus turned and looked at all His disciples before correcting Peter. Maybe they were all in on the attempt, or maybe they were innocent bystanders. Either way, it is clear that all the disciples could learn from this moment, including us.

What do we need to learn? Stay true to the mission. Don't let Satan or anyone else divert you from God’s plan for your life. Even if you are the only one, you stay the course and do what you were told. You will receive resistance. You are hated by the devil and loved by your friends and family. Both sides will seek to stop you, to harm you, or protect you. That is going to happen.

Do what Jesus did. Be strong. Be stern. Practice good spiritual stubbornness. Voice your reasoning, and stick to the plan! - Pastor Mike.

BTW, I only know 25 letters of the alphabet. I don’t know y.