READING: Numbers 11-13, Mark 8:22-9:1
Out of the same mouth can come both the words of the Lord and the words of the devil. That truth ought to give us great pause when we consider our words.
Peter’s life gives evidence of this truth. On one day, he rightly said to Jesus, “You are the Messiah” in response to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29). It’s Matthew’s Gospel (16:17) that shows us that God gave this truth to Peter; he didn’t come up with it himself. Not long thereafter, though, Peter rebuked Jesus when He spoke about His death—and Jesus’ words to him were strong: “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns” (Mark 8:33).
In one conversation the apostle spoke the words of God; in another, he spoke the words of Satan. We sometimes follow the same pattern. In fact, we sometimes speak the words of the Lord and the words of the devil in the same conversation. How important it is that we guard our words carefully!
PRAYER: “God, help me to guard my words well for Your glory.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 14-15, Mark 9:2-29