Matthew 16:13-18
When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But you, who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Sometimes we forget these words of Peter; you are the Christ. We get wrapped up in what is happening in our lives or the world; we forget about who you are. You asked your disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” The people had all different answers from Old Testament great prophets to John the baptizer. Who would people say you are today? I bet there would be an assortment of responses, even among people who profess to be Christians. Lord, you are the promised Savior of the Old Testament. You came to this earth to be born as a man. At the same time, you are also true God. We confess with Peter, “you are the Son of the living God.” You lived your life, tempted in every way, but without sin, to give us your perfection and righteousness. Then you died an innocent death in our place, paying the price for all our sins. You defeated sin, death, and the Devil. Your resurrection proves the Father accepted this payment for us. This is who you are.
When the lawless one rises up, you are in control. No matter how turbulent the waters foam around us, and the storms of life crash against us. You are still in control. Let us look to you for our hope because you give us the promise of everlasting life. No matter how it looks outside nor what the world may throw at Christians, the gates of hell will not overpower your church. Lord, secure us to you, our rock and redeemer, so we may remain concrete in you and your word whatever storms come our way. Amen.
Pastor Roger Emmons
The world has tried to silence God and his believers since the beginning of time. Yet here we remain, and the gates of hell have not overpowered us.