Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Humbled man of God

Friday, February 22, 2013

Matthew 16:19-20
After Peter recognized Jesus as "Christ, the son of the living God," Jesus said to Peter, "I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Keys to the Kingdom. Binding and loosing. These famous words of Jesus to Peter hold their grip through the centuries. They are poetic, powerful, and hopefully ennobling.

As his own life unfolded, Peter seemed unworthy of Jesus’ trust when he claimed not to know who Jesus was. As Jesus went to the cross, he was overwhelmed with shame, but he must have trusted his brothers to help him carry that weight. Then Jesus returned from death and offered Peter his redemption. In the story (John 21) Peter is giddy with love as he recognizes Jesus and runs toward him waiting on the beach.

But this time there's no walking on water. Peter is humbled by his failure, and Jesus helps him accept himself as he is, not as he wishes he could be. Out of this comes the power. Out of this comes the poetry. Jesus embraces all of Peter and shows him how to do the same, with himself and others. Now he is ready to bind and loose, because he himself was bound and now is free. Jesus showed him how to turn the key.

All things work together for our good, Lord, and you point us to this wondrous encounter with grace like you pointed Peter. As we sit beside you at the fire and you cook our dinner, your simple questions unlock chains and make us free. And as we are freed, we too are made fit for service.

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022213.cfm

Devotions Archive

Humbled man of God

Friday, February 22, 2013