Peter Steps Up

Why did Jesus choose Simon Peter to be the head of His church?

When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." - Matthew 16:13-19

Is it because Simon recognized Jesus for who and what He was?

There is something to be said for being able to discern the truth.  We all benefit from it.  It is the first step in the process we go through to understand our calling from God.

What does God have planned for me?  Or what does God expect of me?  These are the questions we all could ask of ourselves.

For Peter, the call to follow became a larger ministry because of his awareness of the situation.  He stepped up to be a leader by acknowledging what the others may have only wondered.

So, the process of becoming one with Christ has two steps.  First we are called, and then second, we step up.

What is it you have been called to do?  And have you decided it is time to step up?

More to come...