Devotion for Tuesday, December 17, 2024

“And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.  And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:17-18).

We are blessed when we make the good confession.  It is not a formula, but the truth.  The Holy Spirit awakens our spirit to know the truth.  The truth, the Anointed One who is God in the flesh, moves our soul from death to life.  Upon the truth of who He is, the bride, His church is going to be knit together from every tribe, tongue, folk, and nation.  All those who will come to Him in truth, and live as life has been created to live will be with Him forever.

Lord, I hear the words, but sink them deep into my soul so that I am one who does not just speak the words, but believes that You are the Christ.  Teach me how to live knowing this.  Guide me to understand that in You I do have hope and a future.  Lead me into all righteousness so that I may prepare for the eternal life which is mine in You.  You are the Word and You are truth.

Lord Jesus, Savior of mankind, guide me in Your goodness and mercy to live the good confession.  You are the Christ.  Be Christ in me and help me to walk in the salvation You have prepared from the beginning for all who believe.  In Your goodness and mercy, lift me up out of the thinking of this world to see things through Your word.  Guide me in the Gospel that You have given that I may be more like You each day.  Amen.