You are the Christ

January 18, 2022

Dear friends,

On January 18 the church commemorates a festival called the Confession of St. Peter. It recalls a striking episode in the ministry of Jesus to his disciples. Here’s the account:

Matthew 16:13-19 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 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.”

One of the most marvelous moments is when Jesus points out to Peter that his confession came from God. It’s like what we pray in the Psalm: “O LORD, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise” (Ps. 51:15).

Anything good that comes out of our mouths, anything that is true or virtuous or beautiful, anything that gives glory to God and declares his mercy – all of it is a gift from God. Anything kind or charitable that we do, anything praiseworthy or noble – all of it was prepared for us in advance by God himself.

We so easily take it for granted that we can make a good confession, that we can acknowledge who Jesus is and say aloud that our trust is in him. But even this simple deed requires a miracle worked by God himself.

Thank God that he has sent you his Holy Spirit to enlighten the darkness of your heart and has revealed the saving truth to you!

God bless and keep you,

Pr. Buchs

COMING EVENTS: Men’s Bible Study – Wednesday, January 19 @ 8pm Annual Meeting – Sunday, January 30 @ 11:30am Family Night – Wednesday, February 9 @ 5:30pm Elders and Council – Thursday, February 10 @ 6 & 7pm