JESUS CHRIST THE ALPHA AND OMEGA: TESTIFYING OF HIS GLORY AND MAVELOUS DEEDS

Exodus 3:1-15; Romans 12:9-12; Matthew 16:21-28

Introduction 

Last week, we were blessed on the topic, "Who do you say that I am?" 
https://ahenkan.blogspot.com/2020/08/who-do-you-say-i-am.html

We were thrilled with Peter's divine understanding of who the Son of Man is when he said, "You're the Messiah, the Son of the Living God." (Matthew 16:16)

Today's topic brings a contrast when one who just spoke the mind of God turns to speak the mind of Satan. 

May God grant us understanding to His Word, Amen.

Matthew 16:21-28

Jesus Christ who is referred to as a Good Teacher (Mark 10:17) knowing the level of understanding of the disciples about who He is from Matthew 16:13-20, begun to speak to them about His suffering, death and resurrection.

In this passage, Peter is not happy about Jesus' words and so rebuked Jesus aside, saying, "Never Lord...This shall never happen to you." Vs. 22

Jesus turned away from him saying, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Vs. 23

Jesus adds, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 

For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." (Matthew 16:24-27)

Some Lessons

1. Overconfidence 

It is said that "familiarity breeds contempt". Peter became so confident in himself because of the complement Jesus gave him in Matthew 16:17-19. 

Peter felt he's probably the one who is able to speak the mind of God. So in verse 22, he spoke but this time it was deemed to be the mind of Satan. 

In our walk with Christ, where we need extra care most is when God's Spirit is manifesting in our Ministry. Always seek the face of God and never operate with the human mind.

Never position yourself as the source of God's grace gifts but always as the vessel for the Master's use.

2. Christ-like formation calls for correction and mentoring. When you are reprimanded or scorned by the leadership of the church, never consider it as rejection but a means of correction.

It is better to have friends who are able to point your mistakes to you than to harbour those who will praise you even when you are so wrong.

3. Christ-like formation always calls us to carry our cross. Denying yourself is to wholly and totally depending on Christ to lead you to safety but not in your own strength. Verse. 24-26

Your cross is part of the cost of being a disciple of Christ. Do not be overwhelmed with life challenges as a Christian. Verse. 26

Always remember that being a Christian does not stop the storm from coming but with Jesus in the boat we smile at them.

The Apostle Paul summarized this when he wrote, "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

(Romans 12:9-12)

4. God's path may be thorny and stormy but will all end in His glory.

"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." (Matthew 16:27)

Conclusion 

Never forget the God who caused the miracle in your life and made you a vessel of miracles because the devil draws more closer to steal at that very moment.

Reflect on your life today and say to every Satan drawing you away from the plan, purpose and path of God to get behind you in Jesus' name, Amen!

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