Matthew 16: 13-20 reveals some key insight of the power of revelation. The mystery of Jesus has already been revealed to us through creation, his word and his works. We only need to step into the place of faith and have God reveal himself to us to. Revelation always point to three main roots: 1. it reveals a character trait of the God-head. 2. It reveals our identity found in him. 3, It reveals our authority found in him. Some of the perfect indicators of God revealing himself in his word is when he asks us a question?
In Matthew sixteen, Jesus asks the disciples "But who do you say that I am." Peter's response to him was, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus follows up with these three powerful statements that to us bring to light these three simple truths.
1. Revelation removes Speculation. Matthew 16:17 "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is heaven." For sometime now the disciples were not even sure who Jesus was. In one move, God reveals Jesus true nature to him. He his no longer wondering who he is. He now knows Jesus is the Anointed One, the Son of God. Jesus is fully man and yet fully God. The mystery has been disclosed. When God revealed himself to us, he was no longer a historical figure but a living being. The creator of heaven and earth wants to connect to us and lead us into his garden.
2. Revelation proclaims Identification. Matthew 16:18 "And I tell you, you are Peter; and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." In verse 16 his name is Simon Bar-Jonah but because of his proclamation that Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus gives him a new name Peter! A new gives him a new identity. A new identity means a new purpose. How powerful that must of been for Peter. He must of felt so honored and empowered. When we break away from the lies of the enemy and see the truth. The Truth shall set us free! Simon Bar-Jonah felt some freedom in that name change. In the same way when we discover our new self. Behold the old has gone and the new has come.
3. Revelations grants Authorization. Matthew 16: 19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." When ever God reveals another aspect of who he is, our identity in him is transformed handing us our authority. Peter has been granted authority by Jesus to "bind and loose." Our identity leads to our authority in Christ which is healthy and productive in the kingdom of God.
I pray and hope that as your fingers move through the pages of your bible, or when you are in the secret place hidden from the world God reveals himself to you. You will never walk in a place wondering if he is present or confused in what to do next.