A Rocky Relationship
Pastor Joanie All lovers of contemporary Christian artist from the 80s and 90s, Sandy Patti, this one’s for you! As I was reading Jesus’ words to Peter in Matthew 16:17-18, I couldn’t help but start humming her song “Upon this Rock“. I read a few more verses and then I came back to v. 17-18. And even as I finished chapter 16, I kept coming back to Jesus’ words
“You are Peter (Petros), and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.”
Those are pretty powerful words. It made begin to think, was Peter one of Jesus’ favorites? I mean, that’s a heavy load and a huge compliment to be considered the rock from which Christ’s church will be built. But, then I remembered the rocky relationship Simon Peter had with Jesus…
- Have you ever had a rocky relationship?
- Do you have a relationship with someone that goes REALLY well at times and other times you can’t seem to work things out?
- Is there that one relationship that means a lot to you and every now and then you drift apart? But you always come back to that one rocky relationship?
In Matthew’s account, Simon Peter and his brother Andrew were the first ones Jesus called to be disciples. Then Peter’s faith was tested during the storms where he walked on water to Jesus. But in chapter 16, Peter seems assured that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Then, we know that Peter denied being a follower of Jesus three times just before Jesus went to the cross. And three times Jesus asked Peter “Who do you say that I am?”
So, Peter had a rocky relationship with Jesus. In Matthew 16, things seem to be going well between the two and Jesus recognizes Peter for seeing clearly who he was. Even though the road had been rocky (and will be rocky near the end of Jesus’ life), Jesus recognized Peter as the rock–for who he was in that moment.
I have rocky relationships. And if I’m honest, I could probably describe my relationship with God as rocky at times. Peter and Jesus’ commitment to one another…even when it was rocky…gives me hope. It also gives us an example to use when thinking about our own relationships with Jesus and each other.
If You Missed Sunday’s Sermon…
Read or listen to No One is an Island— Mark 1:14-20
God’s Words for This Week
Deuteronomy 18:15-20– The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. (NRSV, v. 15)
Psalm 111 –God’s works are so great, worth a lifetime of study—endless enjoyment! (The Message, v. 2)
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him. (NRSV, v. 1b-3)
Mark 1:21-28 – They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (NRSV, v. 22)
This Week at Hood
Wednesday, January 24, 6:00 pm – Choir Practice
Wednesday, January 24, 6:00 pm – Young-ish Adult Small Group
Thursday, January 25, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Pastor Jason at The Cellar for Drop-In Coffee & Conversation (108 N Wilson St)
Sunday, January 28, 11:00 am – Worship
**Upcoming events
Sunday, February 4th, 11:00 am–Deacon Ordination
Sunday, February 11th, 12:00 noon–Valentine’s Lunch for all the Ladies, sponsored by the Men’s Fellowship
Saturday, February 17th, 10:00 am -12:00 noon–Valentine’s Tea & Tunes @ The Cellar