Jesus replied, “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”.Matthew 16:17-18
Life can be difficult at times. We can face struggles, obstacles and problems that often make us feel overwhelmed, defeated and inadequate. Where do you run to when you face life’s difficult seasons - your family, friends, colleagues, doctor or counsellor? We are all looking for the answer to our problems, the key that unlocks the door of the difficulty we face. Although the people around us can certainly help and support us through difficult times, their knowledge, revelation, wisdom and advice is limited compared to the heavenly wisdom and revelation that we have free and unlimited access to. Through the work of Jesus at the cross we have full access to “God’s throne of grace where we can receive His mercy and grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16)
In our verses today, Jesus calls people “flesh and blood.” In Matthew 16 Jesus asks “who do people say that I am?” People have plenty of ‘human’ opinions of who Jesus was and is. More importantly Jesus asks “who do you say that I am?” Because it's what you believe and declare that makes the difference in your life. Peter says “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v16). Jesus responds by saying that Peter has obtained this knowledge, not from some ‘human’ wisdom from the people around him but through a revelation of the Father in heaven. Human knowledge is limited but a revelation of Jesus is life changing.
In fact, Jesus said that He would build His church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. If you know Jesus, you are part of His great church and He promises to build you up and that nothing (no thing) will prevail against you or overcome you. Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33) and because we are born of God we also overcome the world (1 John 5:4), but often it doesn’t feel like we are overcoming. That’s because this life of overcoming is directly linked to what we believe, and what we believe is directly linked to our revelation of who Jesus is.
He is everything you need today, no matter what you are facing. To those who lack, He’s your provider. To those who are weak, He’s your strength. To those who are sick, He’s your healer. To those who find themselves in very difficult and trying situations, He’s your deliverer, always working behind the scenes for your good and His glory.
So today, when you face the difficult seasons of life, take time out and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to you (John 15:26), and from this heavenly revelation will flow increased confidence and victory!
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Who Do You Say I Am Series – Exchange Church Belfast 2020