Good Things Take Time to Build

Read Matthew 16:13-16,18

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 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.  

Study Matthew 16:13-16,18

My husband is a Church Planter and because he has planted several churches our family knows how tedious a work this can be. We know what it means to keep long hours, wear many hats, live on little (or no) salary, go without vacations or rest. Good churches and communities of faith do not happen overnight, they take a considerable amount of prayer, time, energy, and patience, working together in one accord. Everyone who comes in as the community is forming must be willing to work hard and encourage one another to not give up or grow weary.     

Most Bible Scholars believe the Gospel of Mark could have been the very first written account of Jesus’ life (somewhere around AD 50) although there is great support for the earliest account being written by Matthew around AD 50. The Gospel of Luke might have come next, around AD 55-60ish and the Gospel of John last at AD 90. Regardless of the time they were written and became available, its clear no one had anything in writing about Jesus earthly life until at least 50 years after Jesus had ascended into heaven. By that time the Church was growing in number and works of faith. There were many newcomers and many who had gone home to be with the Lord. The Christian Church was not going to be built over night nor upon the authority of man but upon the ministry of the confession of faith such as Peter made.  

Building the Kingdom of God on earth is not the only thing that takes time, whether we are planting churches, building a home, working on marriage or relationships, writing a book, or doing anything worth keeping around we should be patient, knowing all good and godly things take time to solidify. They will be tested and tried, but if they are ordained by God and have been directed by the Holy Spirit, then they are worth every effort we put forth. Jesus promised to build his Church upon rock-like faith, not sand and we can determine to build whatever we are building on rock-like faith and effort and not sand or quickness.           

Meditate on Matthew 16:13-18  

What in Jesus conversation with his disciples about his identity gives you pause or inspires you today?

Is there something you sense the Lord is saying to you through this passage?

What will you take with you into your day to meditate on as you go about your tasks or day?

Praying Matthew 16:13-18

What a wonderful profession of faith Peter made, Lord. He recognized you as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Your promise to him and all was that your Church would be built on that kind of faith. May we be those who have the kind of faith Peter had so we can continue to build your Church and live as people of strong, rock-like faith. Amen