Devotion:    August 7, 2025 

By: Pastor Dennis 

Matthew 16:23 “Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’” 

A normal part of our human condition is that of decision-making. Many decisions are made through pure convenience while others are made through standards of our Christian faith. Too many times, we let convenience win. Jesus had decided that His death must be accomplished according to God’s plan. Peter’s human condition was quick to respond. Jesus immediately challenged Satan’s interference with Peter’s thinking. 

What We Should Know 

God could have taken a more convenient direction, but He had to ensure that mankind would never doubt His sincerity throughout history. The sacrifice of His own Son whom He loved and was “well pleased” would set the standard of our faith. So, God chose the path that was best for mankind. Some decisions are very difficult and inconvenient. However, they may have to be made……sometimes through “tough love” and inconvenience.