But when Jesus turned and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter. “Get behind Me, Satan!” He said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Mark 8:33.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29.

And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:15.

This morning, I was showered with blessings from Creator God – Father…Son…Spirit. He was with me as I delighted in the beautiful morning light swiftly changing to be more beautiful than before. To read His word and know He is speaking to me as He can to you – how can I not rejoice? And our chapter, Isaiah 45, in the notes below: “This is the only place in the Bible where a Gentile ruler is said to be “anointed”. God is the power over all powers, and He anoints when He chooses for His special tasks. Cyrus’s kingdom spread across 2,000 miles (the largest of any empire then known), including the territories of both the Assyrian and Babylonian empires.” And this later, “Salvation is for all nations, not just the Israelites. Many times it seems as though Israel had an inside track on salvation. But God makes it clear that His people include all those who follow Him. Israel was to be the means through which the whole world would come to know God. Jesus, the Messiah, fulfilled Israel’s role and gave all people the opportunity to follow God.” This is what the Lord says to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. For the sake of Jacob My servant, of Israel My chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge Me…I will raise up Cyrus in My righteousness: I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for a price or reward, says the Lord Almighty. v. 1-4, 13. And that beautiful light from this morning? I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things. You heavens above, rain down My righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the Lord, have created it. v. 7-8. Turn to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By Myself I have sworn, My mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before Me every knee will bow; by Me every tongue will swear. They will say of Me, “In the Lord alone are deliverance and strength.” v. 22-24.

When we are in the midst of problems and despair, we can feel like Peter when he walked on water toward Jesus. The seas still heaved, below his feet there was nothing but water and an endless deep – nothing solid to stop his descent. How could he not be afraid? And Jesus reached out His hand and caught Peter and brought him safely in the boat and stilled the storms. When Peter wanted to stop Jesus from going to the cross and certain death, Jesus rebuked him. We don’t know. We don’t understand the things of God. God does understand. From a beginning that has no beginning to an eternity that has no ending, God understands. And we can trust the God of peace, the God of faithfulness, the God of Love. He’s here. Always. Delight in Him…He is our blessing!