Sunday, July 22, 2007
Today my QT learning:Matthew 16:13-17
In Jesus' day, the Jewish ppl were up against the oppressive regime of Rome, where they lived with the shame of being an oft-depised minority under the burden if hefty taxes. They desperately needed someone to champion their cause. Peter came up with the right answer where he declared JESUS as "the CHRIST" - the "MESSIAH" who would deliver them from the oppression they had endured for so long. Against the backdrop of Caesar-worship and rampant paganism in Caesarea Phillippi, the disciples pinned their hopes on JESUS.
When Peter didnt know was that JESUS would be their champion on a far more significant level than Rome's oppression. He came to conquer the source of our problems, not the symptoms. He opposed Satan, engaged in battle on an old rugged cross with blood-stained timbers, to bring the ultimate defeat to the enemy of our souls.
That's the kind of champion we really need. Next time we find ourselves against the wall of despair - whether it's a relationship that has hit the rocks or failed in our exams - claim JESUS as your champion. We may be cast down, but we are never forsaken. Claim JESUS as the champion of our soul. I've been paid for in FULL 10:15 PM