VOICES

"Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17).

 

"Get behind Me, Satan!  You are a stumbling block to Me for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's" (Matthew 16:23).

 

Just six verses separate these two statements.  Both are addressed to Peter from Jesus.  Both disclose revelatory thoughts that do not originate in Peter's mind but are given to him by other sources.  The Father speaks to Jesus through Peter and just six verses later, Satan speaks to Jesus through Peter.  Amazing!  Peter illustrates for us why we can't trust people.  One moment we are speaking for God and the very next we are speaking for Satan--and I doubt that we ever know the difference.  It certainly doesn't appear that Peter could tell the difference.  Jesus knew the difference because He keenly understood the call of God upon His life.  He refused to be distracted by conflicting voices. 

 

Today, discern whose voice is coming out of your own mouth.  Equally important is to make sure that the voices you listen to line up with the call that God has upon you.  You will likely hear from both the Father and the Faker today.  Know the difference!