Newsletter: Was Blind, but Now I See
Dear Mosaic Family,
Imagine hearing from your beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, one of his sharpest rebukes directed at you: "Get behind me, Satan!" Those are the words of Jesus directed at the first and chief disciple, Peter.
What's most striking is the rebuke comes after Peter makes one of the greatest professions of faith in Jesus recorded in all of Scripture. Jesus had just asked the disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" They responded, "John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets."
Then Jesus asks the most important question each person must answer: "But who do you say that I am?" Peter, answers first (of course), "You are the Christ."
In that split-second, Peter saw Jesus so clearly. That's why it's so surprising, that in the very next text, Jesus rebukes Peter with the bone-chilling words, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."
How could Peter see so clearly one minute, and be so blind the very next? Because of the reality of progressive sanctification and therefore, revelation. The very moment you repent of your sin and believe in Jesus Christ, submitting your life to Him, you are "justified." Not guilty. Sins forgiven. However, the life-long process of sanctification has just begun. The more you grow in sanctification, the purer your vision of God becomes. As Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."
Although a follower of Jesus, and a faithful humble servant, Peter had imported worldly and therefore Satanic lies into his theology. Peter couldn't fathom that the Messiah would suffer and be killed. It seemed wise to him to try to protect Jesus from suffering. What seemed wise in one moment, was revealed to be a Satanic lie in the very next.
Thankfully, "get behind me" didn't mean "get away from me." It meant, get back in line, Peter. Follow me, don't attempt to lead me. Don't attempt to lead me to the crown via a path that circumnavigates the cross.
Join us Sunday as we study Mark 8:22-38, and ask for the Lord to continue to remove veils from over our eyes to see Him for who He truly is.
Looking forward to worshiping with you!
Pastor Jan
This Week's Announcements
Emergency Members' Meeting
This Sunday, January 28 from 1-3pm
If you are a covenant member of Mosaic, please join us for an emergency members' meeting following the second service. Lunch will be provided.
Community Lunch
Sunday, February 4 at 1pm
Join us the first Sunday of each month for food and fellowship following the second service. Feel free to invite others. Please RSVP here so we can plan for enough food.
Serve with us
At Mosaic Boston, we serve because Jesus served. The Gospel makes us a family marked by Christlike humility and service to God, to his church, and to the people around us. We can all play an eternally significant role in Jesus’ mission. Service Teams are a key aspect of our Sunday operations and meet Sundays before, during, or after Worship Services. We have a huge need across many of our teams, you can find more information and get involved here.
Songs for Sunday
If you would like to know what we'll be singing on Sunday, you can find the playlist here.
Check out our full calendar of events here.