Get Behind Me Satan
Posted by Brad on January 6, 2012We’re all familiar with this rebuking of Peter by Jesus. Christ was telling the disciples about his death, and Peter jumps in and starts declaring such a thing would never happen (Matt 16:22). To which Christ replied, “Get behind Me, Satan.” Today, we say the same thing if we’re feeling attacked or tempted by the enemy (thought I’d venture to add Satan himself probably hasn’t personally ever attacked you, but that’s a post for another time). However, if we keep reading as to why Jesus rebuked him, we might start using the term differently.
But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matt 16:23, ESV)
Wow. According to this verse, whenever we set our focus on (direct our mind, seek for, side with) the things of man we are in fact supporting the enemy, and not our Lord. Paul reiterates this in Colossians too:
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is,seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (3:1-3, ESV).
So, in what areas are you setting your mind not on the things of God, but of man? What things are you doing in God’s name or for His glory, that are in fact according to man’s way? All I know is, I would much rather hear “Well done My good and faithful servant” then “Get behind Me, Satan”. How about you?
