Thought of the Week: Taking a biblical step further

This past Sunday one of our scripture readings was Mark 8:31-38. This is the story of Jesus telling his followers that he will suffer, be rejected and die. Peter, not wanting any part of a future where Jesus will suffer and die, rebukes Jesus, basically telling Jesus not to take the path into this future. In response, we hear a very familiar rebuke of Jesus to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan.” Jesus is not going to let Peter lead him away from God’s plan of salvation which is found in the cross.

Sometimes in life, the advice we are given is actually more temptation than wisdom. A friend may try to convince us to do something that we know deep down is neither what we should do, nor what God would have us do. When a friend tries to lead us astray, like Jesus, we must face our friend and rebuke our friend, but pointing out the flaw in their logic. In the process, we may hurt our friend’s feelings, but if that person is our true friend, that person will remain a good friend to us.

We can take this biblical lesson another step further. In our communities, states and nations, what is often being offered as a future we should step in line with is not at all what we as godly people should be doing. In such instances, we are to be as bold as Jesus and proclaim, “Get behind me, Satan.” We have a responsibility to speak God’s truth. If we as the church of Christ on earth do not offer up a better way of living, if we will not speak up for forgiveness, mercy, righteousness and love, who on this earth will?

“You must not hate your fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your fellow Israelite strongly, so you don’t become responsible for his sin.” Leviticus 19:17

The Rev. Karen Dumey is the pastor of Hunter Memorial First Presbyterian Church in Sikeston.