Life’s questions, convictions, and answers
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”They answered, “Some say you are John the Baptizer, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”He asked them, “But who do you say I am?”Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” Matthew 16:13-16
This passage records a dialogue Jesus had with his disciples at a certain location. This is useful as you sometimes have to navigate crossroads that:
- Challenge your understanding of certain things
- Test your faith or conviction
- Cross-examine you and contest your testimony as a witness
What do you do in those moments when life demands a response from you? Have you got a witness statement? Do you have an answer, rebuttal, or defence? How can you contribute to or become the solution to the dilemmas around you?
I’m grateful to God that Peter was perceptive and responsive. Unlike the other followers, he wasn’t caught up in the fast or first response race which didn’t produce the right answer. There are some scenarios where he’d been noted to be obnoxious and presumptuous but not here. He was able to wisely give an objective view based on his understanding. Like most people, Peter wasn’t perfect; in fact, he messed up quite a few times, but he knew to latch onto the grace provisioned by Jesus and consequently was restored.
Friend, the good news is that the same grace is still available to you right now. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been – Far country, Sodom and Gomorrah, Lodebar, Gehenna, or even the belly of the fish at the bottom of the sea, it reaches and can pull you out. No, you haven’t gone too far out of God’s range because His mercy and love extend to the heavens, His faithfulness reaches to the skies. His justice is like the highest mountains and his fairness like the deepest sea; He preserves both people and animals (Psalm 36:5-6). Aren’t you glad that God is a preserver and keeper who has no intentions whatsoever that any perish or languish? You can come on right home. There is a place for you under the shadow of his wings, why don’t you come and take cover?
Jesus said, “In the same way there is more joy in heaven because of one sinner who turns to God than over 99 good people who don’t need to.” Luke 15:7
Peter who was one among 72,12, and 3 had at this juncture worked with Jesus for a long time. It is evident he wasn’t in it just for the fame or benefits. Besides being agile and proactive, he was hardworking, and I believe that is one of the reasons he was always the first to be mentioned in the trio – Peter, James, and John, who were in Jesus’ inner circle. Friend, it’s not enough to be counted, you need to stand out, and to stand out, you need to go the extra mile. Learn, grow and practice through service.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9
I am also grateful for second chances because we learn about Peter’s response after Jesus repeats the question. I believe in the gospel of election, but It is also possible that the other disciples had a similar impression about Jesus being the Messiah and Son of God but hesitated to speak up. Scripture categorises those who shared others’ opinions as – ‘they’. Each had the potential to share their conviction but only one dared to.
Jesus thereon distinguishes between inspiration and perspiration and attributes Peter’s revelation to the Father. In essence, he points out that the arm of flesh will fail as flesh and blood were not responsible for the answer. It is good practice to draw from the experiences and knowledge of other people but not at the expense of a personal conviction. Friend, if Jesus were to ask you the same question he asked the disciples, what would your answer be? Is your prayer, thanksgiving, praise, and worship based on a revelation or testimony? Be inspired and gain understanding.
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding.
Job 32:8
Would you say this prayer with me? Breathe on me Holy Spirit and give me understanding. There is much value in thinking before speaking and Peter shows that you don’t necessarily need to understand the full picture to make a valuable contribution; in any case, inspiration is the gamechanger. Would we have this account if he had joined the bandwagon? Selah! lt’s ok to break the flow and not go with the crowd. What people deem popular belief started with someone. Your personal belief may soon become popular if you firmly hold unto it.
Peter was a custodian of an insight that would later shape the church institution. The name Peter means a strong stone and rock, and his epistle depicts you as a living stone being built ( 1 Peter 2:5). Friend, do you have any idea who you are and what you carry? Why are you holding back? Start practicing! Do something!! Share your conviction!!!
For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. Ephesians 2:10
Friend, you’re a masterpiece and there’s so much passion, power, promise, potential, and purpose in you but until you maximise and release them, you will remain anonymous or second-best. Make up your mind today to not only have an answer but also be a solution.