READ: MATTHEW: 13-20
“Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means rock), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” (V. 18)
Emma and I are big baseball fans. So, we were intrigued when the Christian Broadcasting Network on July 17th presented a feature on the impact of the Christian faith on several baseball players who participated in this year’s annual All-Star Game. They featured short interviews with Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman of the Orioles; Aaron Judge and Juan Soto of the Yankees; Valdimar Gurrero Jr. of the Blue Jays; and Logan Gilbert of the Mariners. Each player, in their own way, acknowledged their daily walk with Jesus and the necessity of regular Bible reading and prayer. Their common mission is to bring glory to God, and help others find him, through their highly public actions expressed through their play. They all were thankful for the special gifts given them by God and were using them to carry out the spirit of the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20. Valdimar Gurrero Jr. bluntly stated— “Not God not here.” Each of these players has been given a unique platform for evangelism and are using to God’s glory.
Peter was the only disciple who answered Jesus’ question, “But who do you say I am?” (V. 15) He responded, without hesitation, that Jesus was the true Messiah and son of the living God (V. 16). Upon this confession of true faith, Jesus gave him the platform, and the responsibility, for spreading the gospel. In fact, just before he returned to Heaven, Jesus challenged Peter in direct fashion to feed and take care of his sheep (john 21: 15-91). By acknowledging Jesus and his work on the Cross as the cornerstone for the Christianity, Peter accepted the primary leadership role in establishing the early church of Christ. He boldly used this leadership platform until his death and the torch was passed to Paul and eventually to each of us.
While we may not have highly visible positions, like the baseball players, we have all been given a platform of evangelism. Parents have been given the role of nurturing and growing the faith of their children; teachers, of all types, have the opportunity to influence their students; individuals can influence their families, friends, neighbors and co-workers; and strangers can help strangers come to know the saving gospel of Christ. The opportunities are endless if we just look around.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
How are you using your platform of opportunity to advance the gospel? Need suggestions—look to Peter as an example and to Jesus for help and direction.
Dear Jesus, you are the Messiah and living Son of God. Use me to spread your good news through my life.