16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 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.19 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.”
Let's trace the evolution of Peter's assignment together.
1. Peter’s revelation comes from God. When we “get it” – it’s because the Holy Spirit turns on the light bulb, figuratively speaking. I’m all for reading, learning and studying but knowledge by itself is only half the battle. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in the right way – and that takes revelation from the Holy Spirit! According to Jesus, Peter answered correctly ONLY because his Father in heaven revealed it to him!
2. Peter’s revelation led to an assignment. To whom much is given much is required. I’ve discovered that God doesn’t allow us to see things, learn things or know things without a responsibility and purpose. Peter goes from revelation to assignment: on this rock (Peter), I’m going to build my church. What an honor it is when God gives us an assignment in his kingdom work.
3. Peter’s assignment comes with authority. God is not going to reveal Himself, His purpose without giving us the keys - which denotes authority to fulfill our assignments. If I say you can borrow my car, I must leave you the keys – giving you the access and authority to drive the vehicle. Jesus was giving Peter the keys, empowering him (and us) to build His church. Jesus will give us what we need to get the job done. Be encouraged!
4. Peter’s God given authority resulted in spirit empowered deliverables. When God reveals Himself, His purpose and grants us the keys – something on earth should look different. Peter's post pentecost sermon, Cornelius house visit, church letters and the like influenced his known world. Earth was impacted by his efforts to build the church and expand the kingdom. We can all ask ourselves, what on earth looks different because of our influence and leadership?
Prayer Points:
+ God, reveal yourself to us in a greater way so that everything we say and do will flow from a revelation of who you are.
+ God, reveal your specific assignment to us like you did for Peter. Lord, make it clear!
+ God, since much will be required of us, give us the courage and faith to steward both assignment and authority, properly.
+ God, help us to produce Spirit empowered deliverables, on earth as it is in heaven.
Life On Purpose,
Ralph
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