In the southern wilderness of what is now the country of Jordan is a place called Petra. It is a deep gorge in a very arid area. It is naturally protected by the narrow valley entrance on its north side and so became a great place to build a city. Thing is, there wasn't much to build with. So with the natural rock formations, the sheer cliffs that lined the gorge, much the entire city was carved into the rock, which remains today. Petra is its name and is an apt description of its origin. The word, Petra, is used to descibe strength and firmness. In greek it means a large stone, foundation stone, bedrock. It is not only the name of the city, it is the city.
Early in Jesus' ministry he took his disciples to the location of another type of petra, Mount Hermon. At the foot of this mountain is a great city built by King Herod, Caesarea Philippi. Here was built a great pagan temple at what was known as the Gate of Hades. In this place of foreign gods and idols Jesus asked an important question of his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" You probably recall that Peter was the first to speak up.
But it's Jesus' response to Peter that's key. He says, "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." (Matt. 16:18, NRSV). The keys in this simple response are not as obvious as they seem in English, but in Greek they are. Jesus doesn't tell Peter that the church will be built on him, a petros (which means little stone), but on a petra (foundation). The petra Jesus is talking about is Peter's response, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God." (Matthew 16:16, NLT). It is on this confession of faith that Jesus will build his Church. It is the bedrock of our belief, of our faith, of our response. Jesus challenges us to be as bold as Peter to make this claim for ourselves, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God."
How do we know this is true? Not because someone taught you, but because this has been whispered to us by God's Spirit, just like Peter. It is God who teaches us what we need to know. And it happens as we become more spiritually alive and aware of God's presence. Then "spiritually alive, we have access to everything God's Spirit is doing." (1 Corinthians 2:15, The Message). As we grow in our faith this year, may God's Spirit do amazing things in us as we build our lives on the Petra, which gives a new meaning to having a "Rockin' New Year!"
"Rock" On ><>
PC
2 comments:
I find it interesting to reflect on the words Jesus spoke considering the location.
I break it into different variables of meaning; not to contort or twist, but just for scope and speculation. It is interesting to note that Caesarea Philippi represented paganism, but also two leaders in its current name.
One: Caesar
two: Philip (Herod's son)
(This is entertaining)
Let Caesar represent Rome, which in its time summed up the greatest civilization man could have ever created, and let Philip represent (there are so many to ponder) the low and pitiful state of the Jewish kings. Now with that in mind think about the Church that is created after Christ's death. Christ is king, and in a spiritual story from 'rags to riches' in years to come you see the church explode right through paganism and adopted by Rome the very enemy in Christ's mortal life.
Now think back to the scenery of the scripture in discussion. Right nearby is Caesarea Phillipi. If Jesus Christ is recognized as King then how great of a kingdom can we imagine ourselves as part of? Thinking of these alternate variables I find possible glimpses into the future kingdom that is to be created.
With all of these interesting variables that seem to come back to one another in so many senses its as if we are reading the words of a divine being... :)
How many meanings do you take from scripture?
Isn't it interesting how the symbolic nature of scripture reveals a greater truth about God and the kingdom.(which I do not believe the writers ever fully intended or understood.) It truly is a divine, living Word. Thanks for your insight.
Peace ><>
PC
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