Living life in God’s agenda
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. Matthew 16:13-17
From the text, when the Lord Jesus Christ asked His disciples as to the opinion of the people regarding His identity, they conveyed differing opinion as to who He was. But when He turned to His disciples, Peter responded expressing not only his opinion of who Jesus was but he expressed his confession of faith. This was the confession that Jesus wanted from His disciples. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have to make the same confession of faith. This is how he reveals Himself to us. We have to live our lives in His terms. It is a life of selflessness. “Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25). This means that we follow Him and be involved in His activity. We are not to create our own activity and ask Him to join us. It is His agenda for our lives that we want to pursue. When Jesus explained to His disciples what the Father’s plan for His life and that it included suffering on the cross, death and burial, Peter took him aside. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!” (Matthew 16:22). Jesus strongly rebuked him. “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s” (Matthew 16:23). Jesus told Him that man’s agenda was contrary to God’s agenda. Jesus came to fulfill what the Father has called Him to do. Obedience to God will not always be easy for there will be times that He will lead us to paths we do not want to take. But that is how we grow in faith in our relationship with Him. Following Jesus includes going through difficult situations, or even going through a storm or to stand on a precipice. Yet, He will help us during those times for He wants us to trust Him. This is the only way we can follow Him for He alone can give us what truly satisfies not only in this world but in the life to come. “But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
