“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked the disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God”…And Jesus answered, “Blessed are you!...And I tell you on this rock I will build my church…”(from Matthew 16:13-18, NRSV).
Legendary John Wayne acted in more than a dozen Western movies, always looked like a perfect cowboy and a skilled gun-slinger. Yet one day he admitted, “I couldn’t hit a wall with a six-gun, but I can twirl one. It looks good!”
Things aren’t always what they seem, and appearances could be deceiving. Take Jesus, for example. Who does he appear to be to people, but most importantly, who is he really to you and I? His contemporaries weren’t quite sure. As we read in this month’s Scripture lesson, some thought he was a major prophet, some considered him to be a charismatic political leader, yet others believed he was someone who prepared the way and laid the foundation for the future Savior of the world. Most of the people of his day completely missed the mark. Things haven’t changed that much in our modern times and people are all over the map in regard to Jesus. Thousands and thousands of books were written about him, yet confusion continues to persist. Who is He after all?
Apostle Peter today makes a crucial, life-changing statement about Jesus. “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God”. Not just a gifted man, or a prophet, but the one and only Son of God who came into this world to bring us back into the fold of our Heavenly Parent.
The Bible insists that Peter's statement about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, is so essential that it will become the rock and the very foundation of God's Church on earth and that no forces of darkness will ever overcome a community of believers who abide in this faith.
Peter's confession of Christ is especially relevant in light of the fact that our 21st century is indeed the age of doubt, cynicism and spiritual indifference. We often hear, "No matter what you believe, as long as you are sincere, you are fine!” And yet, in these uncertain and skeptical times more so than ever, God's desire for all Christians is to be committed to God's Truth and apply it to their lives.
Important, as they are, it's not our money, or our ministry programs, or our well-maintained physical facilities and manicured church lawns that make all the difference. Our strength is in our faith that can withstand the storms of life and triumph victoriously when challenged.
The language of our faith and our methods of ministry will change to stay relevant in the new world and minister effectively to the new generation of believers, but the Rock of our salvation will continue to be the cornerstone of the house that the Lord has built for all of God’s children!
Prayer: "Almighty God who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles to confess Jesus as the Messiah and Son of the living God, keep your church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, that in unity and peace we may proclaim the one truth and follow the one Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever."
Things aren’t always what they seem, and appearances could be deceiving. Take Jesus, for example. Who does he appear to be to people, but most importantly, who is he really to you and I? His contemporaries weren’t quite sure. As we read in this month’s Scripture lesson, some thought he was a major prophet, some considered him to be a charismatic political leader, yet others believed he was someone who prepared the way and laid the foundation for the future Savior of the world. Most of the people of his day completely missed the mark. Things haven’t changed that much in our modern times and people are all over the map in regard to Jesus. Thousands and thousands of books were written about him, yet confusion continues to persist. Who is He after all?
Apostle Peter today makes a crucial, life-changing statement about Jesus. “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God”. Not just a gifted man, or a prophet, but the one and only Son of God who came into this world to bring us back into the fold of our Heavenly Parent.
The Bible insists that Peter's statement about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, is so essential that it will become the rock and the very foundation of God's Church on earth and that no forces of darkness will ever overcome a community of believers who abide in this faith.
Peter's confession of Christ is especially relevant in light of the fact that our 21st century is indeed the age of doubt, cynicism and spiritual indifference. We often hear, "No matter what you believe, as long as you are sincere, you are fine!” And yet, in these uncertain and skeptical times more so than ever, God's desire for all Christians is to be committed to God's Truth and apply it to their lives.
Important, as they are, it's not our money, or our ministry programs, or our well-maintained physical facilities and manicured church lawns that make all the difference. Our strength is in our faith that can withstand the storms of life and triumph victoriously when challenged.
The language of our faith and our methods of ministry will change to stay relevant in the new world and minister effectively to the new generation of believers, but the Rock of our salvation will continue to be the cornerstone of the house that the Lord has built for all of God’s children!
Prayer: "Almighty God who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles to confess Jesus as the Messiah and Son of the living God, keep your church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, that in unity and peace we may proclaim the one truth and follow the one Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever."
Pastor Alex
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