All Flame by Andrew Arndt

Author:Andrew Arndt [Arndt, Andrew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: RELIGION / Christian Living / Spiritual Growth, RELIGION / Spirituality
Publisher: The Navigators
Published: 2020-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

WHEN THE STORY TAKES A TURN

Simon Peter certainly experienced this. After leaving behind everything to follow Jesus, “Simon” becomes “Peter” in the new movement that explodes on ancient Palestine. He has a place and role in it. Whatever sense of loss he might have felt at leaving his old life behind is quickly eclipsed by the new purpose and identity he has come to know in following Jesus. Driving out demons, healing the sick, raising the dead, announcing the Kingdom—it’s all pretty heady stuff.

What is more, Jesus has elevated Peter to a preeminent role among the Twelve. Frequently we see the trio of Peter, James, and John brought into the most private and intimate conversations and moments of encounter with Jesus. Jesus confides in them and leans on them to be leaders among the leaders. What must that have felt like for Simon Peter? Surely, he felt a great deal of responsibility and pride at being given this role. Jesus who gave it also recognizes and blesses it.

One such moment of blessing occurs at a pivotal juncture in the ministry of Jesus. At a place called Caesarea Philippi one day, Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples offer Jesus reports on what they’ve heard folks say, so Jesus sharpens the question: “What about you? Who do you say that I am?” And Peter, always willing to go first, blurts out, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus validates Peter, saying,

Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.[16]

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