Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive.
Matthew 16:21-26 (The Message)
Clearly, Jesus was preparing His disciples for the rough road to the cross. His direct and honest conversations revealed a heart fully committed to fulfilling His call. As usual, Peter didn’t understand and his words to Christ at this crucial juncture became Satan’s tool to try to divert the Lord from His mission (v. 22). Jesus heard Satan’s voice in Peter’s words and rebuked him (v. 23).
The challenge in fulfilling our mission is in keeping our hearts untangled from a world that bids us ease and selfish pursuits. God’s call always leads us through places of sacrifice in order to get to people who need help. What do we have in the forefront of our minds—the things of God or the things of self?
Without a firm grasp on your mission and a determination that fixes your focus on things eternal, you will drift and become distracted by competing opportunities. How you are protecting your calling and prioritizing your God-given mission today?
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