Do You Long to Hear God Speak
There were twelve. And Jesus. They were in the vicinity of Caesarea Philippi. I was there in 1997 and we visited the nearby Grotto of Pan located at the mouth of a cave and from which springs sometimes flowed. Believing the cave was the entry gate to the underworld and in order to entice the return of their half man half goat god, Pan, people engaged in hideous acts of worship, including prostitution and sexual interaction between humans and goats.* Why did Jesus choose this “red light district” gate of hell to ask, “Who do people say the Son of Man is? Who do you say that I am?” And then go on to announce that the “gates of hell” would not overpower Peter’s confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” (Matthew 16:13,15-19) I believe it was because Jesus was confronting the evil in His day rather than backing down from it. The Son of Man Son of God is the true God. The half god half goat is of the devil. But how did Peter’s correct confession come about? Jesus tells us. “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” (v 17) If we want to hear more than the noise of our culture, we must devote ourselves to quiet time to hear God speak. Learn more and register today – “Starting Strong with 2020 Vision.”
Jesus, You are the CHRIST, the SON OF THE LIVING GOD. How we love You.