“Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” (Mark 8:29) Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things… must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.” (Mark 8:31-32)
Lord Jesus, the question you asked Peter remains the most important question for us to ponder. And as with Peter, repeating an answer we’ve heard doesn’t mean we love the Savior you are.
Peter’s definition of your Messiahship had no room for your death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead. He wanted you to fit his grid, more than he wanted to need your grace. How comical, Peter took you aside to rebuke you. How glorious, you “took” to the cross to redeem Peter—and us.
Lord Jesus, continue to rescue us from our unbelief-diseased, culture-bound, self-serving, naive-but-deadly-wrong thoughts about you. There’s always more to you, and we’ll stay in discovery-mode of your glory and grace throughout eternity.
Indeed, you are Creator, Sustainer, and Restorer of all things—the Alpha and Omega, and everything in between. Angels worship you; birds depend on you; we trust in you, as our righteous, holiness, and redemption.
You are our reigning King, throne-of-grace occupying High Priest, and returning Bridegroom. You are sovereign over days, dominions, and dandelions. There’s not one nanosecond you’re not loving us, and ruling the cosmos. So very Amen we pray, in your most treasured and grace-full name.