Jesus found it necessary to deal directly with any situation that attempted to divert FATHER’S Plan. In Matthew chapter 16 though Peter was well meaning in his soulish understanding but Jesus had to severely correct him:
21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.
22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”
23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
Ouch! It is easy for us to look back at Peter and see his error for we have the rest of the story. What would you have said in the same situation? Peter was a fisherman who carried a sword and he knew how to use force to get his way. After all he cut the ear off of the soldier when challenged.
This passage provides us an excellent example of the difference between soulish thinking and being fully led by THE SPIRIT. Are you attempting to take matters into your own hands or are you walking out instructions from FATHER? Are you being moved by circumstances and worldly understanding?
The soulish man has a mixture of good ideas and bad ideas. If they were all bad, mankind would be in worse shape than the current state but their good intentions have prevailed in many cases. This does not establish HIS Kingdom on earth but simply perpetuates a delay. As we become more sensitive to FATHER’S Voice we respond by taking the appropriate action. FATHER isn’t talking to us solely for us to consume HIS Blessing on ourselves but HE is interested in us spreading the Gospel in word and deed.
Are you mindful of the things of FATHER? I believe this to be a core reason for us to major on the revelation of Love! For each of us to be mindful of HIM, we must take on HIS Character and Divine Intent. Anytime we compare FATHER’S Interests and man’s interests or focus, we have a very simple test that reveals where the heart is at. Where you focus your resources and actions provide a good barometer of whose interest you truly have in your heart.
Are you a giver or taker?
Are you hoarding or distributing?
Do people look forward to seeing you or are you another blank face in the crowd?
How many storage units have you filled up?
Have you helped a widow, orphan, or someone else in need lately?
Some people use the excuse that they are protecting their kids inheritance so they don’t give as freely as they should. Do they think that FATHER will not bless their sons and daughters as well? If their inheritors do not have the same desire to respond to FATHER, they will simply consume the inheritance on their own lust. In fact we must not withhold anything from FATHER if we truly want to enter into HIS Fullness. This is a hard saying for those with money and Jesus warns of this particular difficulty in hearing FATHER to deploy resources for HIS Use, not your own.
If FATHER can’t get your attention, HE will move on to a willing person whose heart is directed to HIM. Many are called but few are chosen has never been more appropriate than now. Don’t be an offense but instead be part of the solution.