Get Behind Me
In the Bible, the Gospels record how Peter rebuked Jesus when Jesus spoke of how He would die. When Peter spoke this, Jesus said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan, because you are an offense to me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but of the things of man.” Mt 16:23, Mk 8:33
It is possible to think you are helping someone when speaking to them because you are very aware of the cost they face in the natural over something. Thus, you seek to persuade them not to do what they should do. If they are following the will of God, for you to speak according to natural reasoning, it is to be like Peter was with Jesus.
Acts 21:10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” 12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
In this case, the prophet Agabus accurately spoke what the Holy Spirit showed him. The others were moved by their emotions and natural reasoning. Agabus was moved by the Spirit in prophecy.
It is not prophecy to use one’s natural reasoning and powers of deduction to speak to another believer in Jesus.
Like Peter, doing so can open the door for the enemy to attempt to persuade someone not to follow God’s will for them. You may mean well because you love the person; thus, your motives are well-intentioned as far as you can know them. But it could be going against what God has already clearly shown them.
I do not think Peter was determined to be used by the enemy with Jesus. I am sure the others present when Agabus came to Philipps house to see Paul had no intention of persuading Paul against the will of God. Thankfully, in Paul’s case, the others finally ceased.
Acts 21:14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”
Notice that this phrase, “the Lord’s will be done,” did not refer to whether or not Paul might get well from a sickness. It was about the will of God for Paul’s determined direction.
It is not trite to speak to someone about what they believe is the will of God for them. That’s why it’s not advisable to insert your idea of the will of God for them.
To avoid a “Get behind me” scenario, make sure it is the Holy Spirit moving you and not your powers of reasoning in the natural. Don’t be a “Get behind me” person.
