He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” —Mark 8:31-33 NIV

Have you ever been so wrong that, when you found out the truth, you were embarrassed about how far off base you had been? Ponder the scene in Mark 8:31-33 when Peter corrects Jesus for poking holes in his preconceived ideas about the Messiah. How utterly humbling!

In Peter’s defense, all his life, he had been taught that the Messiah would be like Moses. He would deliver His people from evil and make all things right. This was true. However, Peter (and probably all the other disciples) believed Jesus came as a political leader. He would overrun the Romans and free the Jews from oppression. After all, wasn’t that the routine?

But Jesus turned to all of them and said, “‘You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns’” (Mark 8:33 NIV). In truth, Jesus came to free us from sin and death, a much greater oppressor. His concern is our eternal life in Heaven. He came to save the lost.

It made me wonder what concerns I have on my mind. What am I expecting from God that may be way off base? What do I believe wholeheartedly that isn’t in God’s Word? I used to think that my daily Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship earned God’s favor (meaning I deserved it). In contrast, I realized some time ago that spending time with God is a privilege, something I get to do. It is one of the privileges of being the King’s beloved child. Since then, my relationship with God has changed. It is much more exciting! There is, in fact, a vibrancy to true discipleship akin to a child being picked up and twirled by her father. I can do nothing apart from God. What a relief, and what fun!

However, after a hectic and taxing moving season, I find my concerns earthbound again. Expecting God to snap His majestic fingers and surround me with friends and a vibrant church family like the one I left. It has been overwhelming and distracting to move and start over again. But do you know what I get to do today? Spend time with my Father in Heaven, who loves me and has exciting plans. They most certainly won’t be the plans I “expect” of Him, but they will be good.

What about you? Are you convinced of something that may not be true? Have life experiences derailed your perception of God? As you spend time with Him today, pray and ask Him to reveal the truth and allow Him to lovingly “rebuke” you as your concerns flow into His still waters and are washed away by His love.

Father, please keep me in tune with You. Keep my mind on the things of God and not on earthly things. I want to follow closely to Jesus. Show me whether anything I believe is untrue. Lord, rebuke me if needed, and align my heart and mind with Yours. Amen.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV).

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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