“They tell the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” They tell the prophets, “Don’t tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies.”
Isaiah 30:10, NLT
“Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”
Matthew 16:23
I’m blending two verses together. (And that’s dangerous in itself.) But either one is worthy of a commentary (or even two.) But nevertheless, “fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” Sometimes we venture into danger, and even our guardian angels are reluctant to follow us.
Both of these verses deal with “seeing.” In Isaiah’s day, the people deliberately asked the prophets to “dial it back a notch.” They attempted to influence them to be more “politically correct,” and come up with a more improved message– one that made them feel good and complete in themselves.
“Speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions,” (ESV) It’s rather odd to me, that they esteemed the prophets in a strange way, yet desperately wanted them to “sanitize” their message. They wanted reassurance, but not repentance. They wanted to shape the message, without infringing on the office.
In the Gospels, we read of Peter’s effort to “guide” Jesus along His way. Peter truly believes that he must pilot the Lord through some weird ideas– like suffering, for one. In verse 22 we see that Peter had the sudden and incredible boldness to “rebuke” Jesus. Peter’s agenda made absolutely no room for the cross of Jesus Christ.
How funny. In verses 16-17 of this very same chapter, Peter is truly a substantial rock in a rising surf. Peter aligns himself with God’s will and purpose. Peter declares the true identity of Jesus for all to hear. But, just give him just five verses– he will change, and it will be embarrassingly obvious.
Today we realize that the passion of Jesus is our true and only focal point. The death of Jesus on the cross is our singular hope. And I’m so glad Mr. Peter, the great Apostle blew this one. (When in heaven, when I do meet him– I intend to give him a massive hug.)
Both verses seem to have a common denominator. I suppose that its the idea is of “perception.” How do we understand Him? How do we perceive the Presence of God, in our hearts? Without a willingness to reach Him. we will be lost.
We may advance through this, but we take on along many confusions. Darkness in itself is disturbing. There are far too many issues, and we absorb far too many concerns. All we can really do, is to rest in all that is goodness, we turn to him and settle into his dear graciousness.
If we can’t perceive truth and reality, we can become very much lost.
Broken Believers 