Today's Passage: Matthew 16
I'd like to focus on the later part of this chapter. Jesus first asks the disciples who others thought He was, then really brings it home by asking them who they believed He was. Peter really steps up here and declares his faith for Christ. It wasn't mere opinion, but truth. I love the fact that he just plainly states it and doesn't leave himself any wiggle-room. There's much to be admired here because we often have opportunities to declare the truth of Christ, even to other christians, yet we most often decide to take the easy way to avoid socially awkward moments.
Ending the chapter is Jesus talking about truly living for Him. The words were no doubt pretty confusing to the disciples. Sadly for me, due to the fact that I grew up hearing these words so often they often get brushed over. At first it seems easy enough to say that we take up the hard things in life and follow Christ, but then He goes on. Our lives are no longer ours. We must grasp the fact that we exist solely for Him. Our desire to live comfortable, easy, safe lives must die!
Satan has filled this world with hungers of every sort to tempt us. Hungers of lust, power, money and fame seem inviting, but it is a trap, although a very enticing one! It always looks good and harmless on the surface, but underneath that is sin, destruction and spiritual death. Let us all take these words of scripture to heart and yield to God's desires for us. Let us not forfeit our souls, but rather hunger and thirst for Him. He will always satisfy!
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