Daily Reading: Matthew 16
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 16.18-19)
Devotional Thought: We had enjoyed a good family morning and lunch on the beach. It was time for my daughter to head back to our house, pack up her family, and head to Tennessee. The rest of us were going to follow an hour later to say goodbye. We would enjoy the beach a little longer... We thought. I got a call. "Dad, I don't have a key to your house!" We all packed up and headed home, cutting short our fun in the sun. As soon as I got home, I did what I should have done weeks before - I programmed the keypad to our garage door, giving all my kids the "keys" to my house.
Keys are important, aren't they? Since we are his kids, Jesus has given us the keys to the kingdom of heaven!
First, Jesus says that we are to rejoice for Satan, with all his power and fury, cannot stop the Church. As part of the kingdom of God on this earth at this time, we cannot be defeated! The enemy trembles at the name of Jesus, and we bear that wonderful name! Fear not as you labor for the Kingdom.
In addition to the fact that she cannot be defeated, the Church has the keys to the Kingdom. Jesus has given us power and authority, responsibility and mission. What will be done for the Kingdom will be done by the Church. But, what the Church neglects to do will be lost in the Kingdom! Use the keys given you. Give them away. Be faithful to do the work of the Kingdom.
All of God's kids have keys to his house. The question is, "Are we using them?"
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that the gates of hell itself cannot stop me because I have been given the "Master Key" which unlocks every door. Help me to use that key and to share it with others. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 89:19-26
19 Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: "I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.
20 I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him,
21 so that my hand shall be established with him; my arm also shall strengthen him.
22 The enemy shall not outwit him; the wicked shall not humble him.
23 I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.
24 My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
25 I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.
26 He shall cry to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.'
Comments