This week, I want us to imagine Satan. Many among us grew up with images of and ideas about Satan that do not come from the Bible. Pop Culture? Yes. Scripture? No.
In the book of Job, Satan is with other heavenly beings in the presence of God. In the book of Zechariah, there is a vision of God with Satan to God's right. In Mark, Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days and nights. He was not alone--he was with Satan. In 1 Chronicles 21, the anger of the LORD is described as Satan. In Numbers 22, the use of the Hebrew term "satan" actually means blocking one's way forward.
In Sunday's lection, Jesus calls Peter, Satan. Why? This is Peter, the leader of the disciples. Peter, whose house served as Jesus's home. Peter, the Rock. Satan? Why?
My friends, never, ever, forget this. Satan does not have horns, a tail, and a pitchfork. Many times in our lives, the adversary is not the enemy. Many times, the one who opposes our decision, our mission, our advocacy is a loved one. Family. Friends. Even a best friend. Like Peter.
Why, you ask? Because they love us. Because they think we are making a mistake. Because they want what they believe is best for our well-being. Because they do not want us to undergo great suffering, harassment, or red-tagging. Because they do not want us to be killed.
They behave like Peter.
*art, "Get Thee Behind Me Satan" by James Tissot (1836-1902), from the Vanderbilt Divinity Library digital archives.
