This was the gospel reading last Sunday. This was one that I thought about and at first didn't see the signifcance in the story. In this verse Jesus asks his disciple" Who do people say that the Son of Man is? They give various answers. Then 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 Jessus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it."
Our Pastor's sermon pointed out that Simon Peter's answer "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." made in public could have put him in danger yet he said it anyway. In those days emporers referred to themselves as Gods. To say that Jesus was a Son of God would have been interpreted as him saying Jesus was of the ruling class. This would have really threatened their ego and their power. Simon Peter could have been arrested for honest answer. Simon Peter showed great faith in proclaiming Jesus as the Son of the living God. And Jesus was saying he will build his church on this rock of great faith. I love that he goes on to say "the Gates of Hades will not prevail against it" To me it's a promise that if we have faith, Hades can not prevail against us. I'm still not totally sure about the last part of the scripture that refers to the the keys of heaven. From my research it seems to be Jesus giving authority to Peter to act in his behalf. Because of his faith he is a trusted servant of God. He is being given the responsibility and power to lead/teach according to the wisdom of Jesus and the Father. Jesus is showing he has great faith in Peter. This scripture came up in my meditation the other day. I thought about the significance of Simon Peter's answer not coming from flesh and blood but was revealed by the Father in heaven. His response was like intuition....knowing that this was the truth, the right answer, without being told. It seems to me that this thing we call intuition, our inner knowing, could just be the Father in heaven whispering in our ear. And when we follow our intution, even when we think it's crazy, it is a demonsration of our faith. I remember Joyce Meyers talking about the day she heard God talking to her. She was just doing everyday tasks when she was told she had a mission. Of course she thought this was crazy. She wasn't qualified to preach. But she had faith that this message, this inner voice, was speaking the truth. I am so glad she followed that voice; having faith in the message and faith that she could do it with God's help. I love her style and find her teachings inspirational and relvent to everyday life. She is helping so many people. Especially those that aren't comfortable in a standard, more formal. church setting. I think our dreams are also whispers from God. When we have a strong desire to create something, a goal we would love to acheive, this may be our opportunity to show our faith in God. Trust in his whisper and have faith he has blessed us with the skills, knowledge, ability and talents needed for the job. Take another look at the dream you keep shoving aside. How could it change your life? How could it change someone else's life? How amazing would it be to finally make it happen? God believes in you. Have faith in his guidance. Faith and belief make all things possible. If you would like to hear the sermon Rev Lauren Cain gave on this scripture you can view it on Grace Lutheran Church of Pottstown's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/GLCPottstown
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AuthorKathy Kissinger is very focused on helping others get back to a more aligned life as their true self. Coaching through life's transitions is her specialty. Archives
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