Whose Church Is It?
Scripture: Matthew 16:18b (ESV)
…I will build my church…
Devotion:
If
you look this scripture reference up in your Bibles, you will see that I have
taken this out of context. Jesus is speaking to Peter, telling him he will
build His church. However, I find this portion of Jesus’ gospel exceptionally
meaningful. In these five words, Jesus tells us that the church is His alone.
Jesus, here, states emphatically that the church is His, and He will permit no
rivals. Let us examine these words in some detail to understand Christ’s words
to Peter and the church.
The
first word, I, means the church is built by Jesus’ initiative. No one
else can claim Jesus's authority over the people called by His name and who
follow Him as disciples.
Next
is the word will. It is Christ’s purpose to build the church, and no one
other than Jesus can claim the church is built according to their own desires,
no matter how noble they may seem. It is Jesus’ sole discretion when, where,
and how His church will be built.
Then
we come to the word build. We must understand that the church will grow
and prosper as Jesus works in her. It is Jesus’ sole possession, and He will
increase or decrease the numbers according to His sovereign will.
My
comes next. Christ alone is the sole possessor of the church. No mere human
can claim that they have control over it or direct it according to their human
whims or desires. The church Christ’s alone through God’s intention and
command.
Finally,
we have the word church. The church is Christ’s bride. He is making her
ready at this very moment for the revealing as foretold in the book of
Revelation. A bride who will be pure and spotless, joined to Christ forever.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving
your church and making her your bride. Please help us be faithful and obedient
to you. May we follow your will and guidance. Purify us from all sin and stain,
and prepare us for your glorious return. We belong to you alone and rejoice in
your grace and mercy. Amen.
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