Wandering Heart: "I’m Fixed Upon It"
Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love
-Come Thou Font of Every Blessing
This week on our journey with Peter we get a glimpse at another pivotal moment. Peter has just declared that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God—a mountaintop experience of unwavering faith. Yet, he immediately faces a reality that challenges his understanding of Jesus and faith itself. (Matthew 16:21-28)
Have you ever been so focused on something that when plans change you are left lost and confused, uncertain how to proceed? That was Peter…his proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, his belief in who Jesus was and what he would accomplish did not include Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection. Peter was so focused on the idea of a Messiah he lost sight of Jesus’ plan. And like a good friend he pulls Jesus aside to “talk some sense into him!” This leads to a rebuke from Jesus: “Get behind me, Satan!” It’s a sharp reminder that sometimes our well-intentioned desires to protect and preserve can become stumbling blocks to fulfilling our calling.
What are the things you are “Fixed Upon?” How do your plans align with those God has for you? Are you and your plans flexible?
Praise the Mount, I’m fixed upon it. Mount of thy redeeming love.
Friends may we seek the things God has in store for us, to not be so fixed on our own ideas or agendas that we lose sight of God’s plans. Peter thought he was doing the right thing, taking Jesus aside and encouraging him to go in a different direction. The problem was Peter couldn’t see the bigger picture, he didn’t know all that Jesus knew. May we open our eyes and hearts to see God in our midst and follow His lead.
Blessings,
Pastor Jenni
Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.
-Come Thou Font of Every Blessing