Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, November 5, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-05-2018

This is devotional thought number 5 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18).

Reading is indeed fundamental. Suffice it to say, especially in our fast-paced world, so few of us are willing to read the Word of God patiently and rely on the Holy Spirit to teach us what He meant in the inspired the writings.

Imagine the scene: Jesus is asking His disciples one of the most critical questions they would need to answer. But, this was no ordinary quiz question for which they would get a gold star if they got it correct. He obviously intended for the disciples to personalize it. Here’s the two-fold question in its progression. “Whom do people say I am?” Whom do YOU say I am?” Did you get it? Who is Jesus to you? Personalize. The Holy Spirit revealed the truth of Christ’s identity and Jesus told them all that flesh and blood could not have given him that revelation. So many of the learned Scripture and law expositors and experts lacked the submission to God, to be receptive to scores of prophecies that all pointed directly to Jesus being Messiah. The simple man, Peter, got it.

Jesus lauded the Spirit’s revelation in that instance and continued His discussion by saying the church of God would be built upon the Rock. It is evident, based on the timing, context, and the Scriptural support, that Jesus was referring to the subject of Peter’s confession. Who was Peter talking about? Jesus! Therefore, it is reasonable to accept this reading, in its plain language. However, some may need a little more evidence that the church of God is founded upon Jesus Christ Himself. In Acts 4:8-12, Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost said that Jesus was the Rock that was rejected, who was the Cornerstone of our faith and salvation. Can you believe that some “good” church going folk are still rejecting Jesus as the Rock, and saying that Peter was that rock? Unbelievable. Peter himself said that Jesus was the Rock … multiple times. In 1 Peter 2:4-8, Peter said that Jesus was the Chief Cornerstone. In case you didn’t realize it, the cornerstone is critical in building structures. Jesus left no room for doubt on the subject. He even applied Old Testament Scripture’s use of this stone/rock symbolism to apply to Himself (see Matthew 21:42; Luke 20:17-18). So when Paul said that the household of God was built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, it is obvious that their faith in God and faithful teachings were foundational to the encouragement of others to do the same. This is why he said, “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:10–15).

Not only is reading fundamental, but reading the Word of God with prayer and humility is fundamental to understanding. Frankly, I am so glad the Lord did not...