"Get behind me... Satan?"

You may have heard of this ever popular quote from Mark:8:33. This verse is often taken out of context. Funny thing is, there's another more seldomly noticed misappropriation of the passage. I'd like to address both. This should be an encouraging read... I hope. Let me paint the picture for you.

Jesus is having that conversation with the Disciples about the whole 'die and rise again' thing. He explained how He needed to be killed and then raised to life after 3 days. Peter, not understanding the whole rising part, pulled Jesus aside and "rebuked" Him. It was then Jesus uttered the famous words, "Get behind me, Satan." No question mark. I'll get to the title in my second point. So for now I'll just say that Jesus clearly wasn't calling Peter the Devil. He was simply saying those words were inspired by Satan's fear. Again, I'll come back to this.

The first issue I spoke of is also one I'm quite fond of. In the correct context that is. In fact, It may be more accurate to say a major piece gets left out when interpreting what's happening here. Perhaps that's because it's not in this place. Turn with me over to the book of John. In the end of chapter 15, Jesus begins to explain going to the cross and the implications thereafter. In 16:7-8 Jesus summarizes something very important. His death would release the Holy Spirit to any and all who believe. But what I love about this, is of the many many names God is given, He refers to the Holy Spirit as the "Helper" or the "Counselor" who will "convict the world of their sin." So why this disclaimer above all others just after Jesus says to them, "If I go, I will send Him to you."? Well first, without getting into sin too deep, consider it like a personal conscience from God to know right from wrong. At least, that's what the duty of counselor means. What's my point?

Connecting it back to Peter, just think of what he was missing here! Jesus had already explained that He had to go and why. And of course He added that He'd be fine up in Heaven with His Father, leaving the Holy Spirit here. Peter was essentially sad to let his friend and mentor die. That's all. It was love. Now, just to clarify, Peter's thinking was wrong. His reasoning was awesome, but it was also selfish. He was basically saying he'd rather have his friend than salvation and direct access to the Holy Spirit for the world. But I don't think he was intentionally wishing demise on mankind. This was the part Jesus meant to be "Satan". Not Peter himself. He didn't think he was possessed or anything. He was just wrong. And this leads me into my second point nicely.

How often do you think we misunderstand this idea? Have you ever, or known someone to, designate this mindset a bit strongly to someone? Have you ever said, "get behind me, Satan" when someone says something you think isn't from God? I know I have... albeit jokingly at times. I have met many people in the church, members and staff, who truly believe many people are working for the Devil. And while there are some who do this, it's not as common as we attribute that designation. Let me tell you my very first church story.

I walk into a highly charismatic church and this elderly woman approaches me immediately. She grabs my arms, smiles so big and warmly, and then proceeds to tell me, "I hate you, but I love Jesus in you" and then walks away. I was so confused. Who was this strange woman? And what the H.E. double hockey sticks was she saying to me! Was I insulted? What was that exactly?

On this statement of theology, her comment is off on several accounts. First off, never approach a guest, who may not understand your theology, and tell them you hate them. Second, she didn't know if Jesus was in me or not. And I had no clue what that even meant. So just don't do that. But this behavior has so much to do with my point here. How often do we attribute associations of evil, sin, temptation, immaturity, and malice on little information? How can we know another persons motives? How can we know if they feel the way you think if you don't ask them? How can we know if what they say is even the whole story? I've made so many well intentioned remarks over the years, that I thought were right (or even Godly), that were not only wrong, but hurtful. And I had several people try to diagnose and fix me over the years off very little information as well. If you don't have the time to get to know a person, their situation, or their meaning behind a moment... then you don't really deserve the diagnostic platform to slip in a cutting one liner and then slip out the door.

One last point, also referencing that church lady's comment. She did have something right in a way. Without knowing my heart or my relationship with God, I was His creation. So while she may not know if she loved the Jesus in me, she very well could have loved me as God's creation. I say this because it aids to my point in treating others with dignity without knowing just how 'devilish' their behavior is. In James chapter 3, we read about the power of the tongue. "A restless fire" in one line. Then in verse 9 we see it's unpredictability as both blessing God and cursing people... "who are made in the likeness of God." We need to remember here, that no matter how far from God one may seem, we still owe them basic respect and human decency. It may just be, that the individual who may be saying something unbiblical, may just be someone who‘s saying something unbiblical.

So while you pursue your faith in community, may you stay humble and kind, as Tim Mcgraw would say. May you not be too hard on yourself either. And may you spend time with those you feel the need to help. Try not to assume someone is under the influence of the dark lord. Remember, the first job of the Holy Spirit is to be the conscience. And no one comes to God unless He draws them first. (John 6:44). So as you feel the pull to share Jesus and His power to heal with those that concern you, don't lose sight of where your responsibility ends and God's begins. Let Him do the serious work. And please keep praying and sharing Christ! You just need to keep caring as if the shoe was on the other foot. God will take care of the rest. Perhaps this could lead to the church being seen as a bit more loving, less hypocritical, and more compassionate. Perhaps.

And that's my boxless view in a nutshell.

James went to KU for Psychology

and is an entrepreneur owning three small businesses;

Two in the wedding industry, and one in custom furniture building.

In addition, James is also a hobbyist

as a musician, voice-over artist, and blogger on the side.

Ultimately, he lives for his family and

making Christ known as the compassionate Savior He is.