Human Point of View

Key Thought | What sounds loving and logical from a human point of view can still oppose God’s purpose.

Key Scripture | “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” — Matthew 16:23 (NLT)

This moment in Scripture comes directly on the heels of Peter receiving one of the greatest revelations ever given by God.

Just verses earlier, Peter boldly declares:

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16, NLT)

Jesus affirms that this revelation came straight from the Father. Yet almost immediately after this spiritual high, Peter experiences a dramatic fall. In the verses we read today, Peter is rebuked and even referred to as Satan.

That feels harsh, but I believe we need to slow down and look deeper at what’s really happening.

Jesus wasn’t speaking to Peter. He was addressing the spirit of fear speaking through him.

In just a few verses, Peter swings from great faith to great fear. And if we’re honest, that’s incredibly human.

There are areas of our lives where we stand strong in faith, and others where we are weak as water. Peter believed Jesus was the Messiah, and that very revelation made him resist what Jesus said must happen. Fear often disguises itself as protection, concern, or love; but it’s still fear.

It’s a dangerous trap.

“Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me.” (Matthew 16:23)

The trap was to skip the assignment. It’s interesting that when Peter starts to rebuke Jesus for what Jesus was saying must happen, he uses the term “heaven forbid.”

It sounds spiritual, but it’s not godly. It sounds right, but it is wrong. It sounds full of wisdom, but it’s not. That’s the trap.

So many in our churches today don’t know how to discern the difference between the devil’s voice and leading vs the Holy Spirit’s voice and leading. Why? Because most don’t read the Bible.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” — Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

Without Scripture, we mistake emotion for discernment and logic for wisdom.

We must look at it from a different point of view.

“You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

God doesn’t always reveal His full perspective, but that doesn’t mean He shares ours. I also believe He reveals far more than we think when we’re willing to ask.

Scripture is filled with moments where one person sees only the natural while another sees the supernatural. The difference isn’t intelligence; it’s perspective.

What in your life are you viewing today from a purely human point of view? Before you pray against something or even pray for something, I’d like to suggest that you pause and ask God to let you see what He sees.

You might discover you’ve been fighting Him all along.

Prayer | God, forgive me for the times I’ve let fear sound like wisdom and comfort look like obedience. Help me recognize when my perspective is human instead of heavenly. Teach me to ask for Your point of view before I react. Align my heart with Your purpose, even when it’s uncomfortable. Amen.

Reflections

• Where has fear disguised itself as wisdom in your life?
• Are there situations you’ve been praying against that God may be using?
• How often do you ask God for His perspective before forming your opinion?

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