I’ve Got the Power
We all reflect an innate desire that drives us to want to win in any activity in which we are involved. Of course, we do not always win, but how we react when we don’t is modified as we mature (at least that is what is expected). However, there is something that is difficult for us to leave behind no matter the age: wanting to have power. From simple things like who has control of the TV remote to who has the upper hand in a discussion, we want to be the one in power.
The apostle Peter learned a secret that results in receiving a power that would be the envy of kings and great conquerors.
Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon…And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” – Matthew 16:16-19
It is worth clarifying that recognizing Jesus as God (recognizing that he has full control over our lives) does not make us owners but stewards. This power gives us the keys to heaven, not the ownership documents. Failing to understand this can lead us, just as it happened to Peter, to go from receiving a compliment to receiving a strong rebuke.
Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things…And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “…This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” – Matthew 16:21-23
It seems that Peter thought that with the power he received he could prevent Jesus from going through suffering, which at first glance seems admirable. There was only one big problem: his reasoning was not according to God’s will. We can only use the power to bind or loose according to the will of God. Otherwise we might be trying to use the power according to Satan’s schemes (not my words, but Jesus’).
If you have confessed Jesus and have handed him control over your life, you have the power and authority to do things that directly impact the kingdom of heaven. Just make sure not to put your eyes on the power but rather the one who gives power.
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