Readings for August 23, 2020
Isaiah 22:19-23
Psalm 138:11-3, 6, 8
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16:13-20
I agree with Peter. And if Jesus was standing right in front of me and asked, “Who do you say I am,” I am confident I would respond exactly as Peter had, perhaps even word-for-word. “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Yet, Jesus, who knows my heart, would likely know that my answer, while truthful and earnest, might be clouded with thoughts of what others say about who Jesus might be.
In my job, I must be attune to what others are saying in order for me to be successful. As a husband, I must know what my wife needs for her to know how much I love her. As a parent, I must sometimes anticipate what my children will face as they leave our home and navigate their way through the world around them. So being aware of what others say and observing and judging what is happening around me has served me well in many aspects of my life. But in faith, I should set aside these perceptions, shed my own understanding, and lean on Jesus’ instruction instead. Which means that I must live in the joy of my salvation, sharing selflessly the love that he has lavishly given to me.
Repeating Peter’s words in response to Jesus’ question falls short of what I am called to. In fact, any words I write here or Bible verses and prayers I share on Twitter also fall short. The goal is for me to live boldly in Jesus’ teachings, knowing that any suffering, whether perceived or real, is for his glory and for my own sanctification. I must live my faith more than I say it.
My Lord Jesus, I know and believe and trust that you are indeed the Christ, the Son of the Living God. May my faith bring about a boldness in me that cannot be denied in how I live. May your love consume me so that I can do nothing outside of your will for my life. I ask this in your name. Amen
Reflections from the Pew 
Don’t you think for the most part we do live out our faith, whether it be weak or strong? It is our witness of who Jesus is in us.
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I think we live in a manner that reflects our faith, yes. But do we, importantly, live in a manner that reflects the faith we profess? If we truly believe Jesus to be the Christ, are we living his teachings? Or, in our weakness, do we pull away, particularly from the teachings that are difficult. I think that’s where we need to change how we live. We won’t be perfect. But we need to strive for holiness and not just write or talk about it.
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As Paul said striving for the goal. One day it will be reached by God’s grace.
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Let’s pray together that we received His grace and use it in our lives to give all glory back to Him.
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And amen.
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For His glory and for my own sanctification. A truth often overlooked in the midst of it all. Thanks for the reminder.
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