Upon This Rock

Water in a desert region or climate is critical for sustaining life, livestock, and protection. So, when it is found in an open spring source at the foot of the mountain, coming forth in great supply, it has emotional and often times spiritual significance. For many years, this spring source of water, along with its cave, was seen as a connecting place to the afterlife and the underworld. Altars were carved into the limestone nearby for various gods, and evil, dark rituals and sexually perverse acts were performed to appease the gods and engender prosperity. Thus, the place was given this name: “the Gates of Hades.” Often, to the human selfish or carnal mind, natural beauty and provision are misinterpreted as divine and elevated to counterfeit status.

During the time of Christ, Jesus led His disciples to this region, called Caesarea Philippi. Using the very backdrop of the altar to false gods, the cave, and the water supply known clearly to these followers, He asked a question:

“But who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matt. 16:13–18

This field trip that Jesus took His disciples upon reveals three critical, life-giving truths:

1. We Encounter Jesus — by the work of the Holy Spirit, and we have a revelation of His beauty and Lordship.

2. We Confess Jesus as Lord — and our lives are never the same.

3. We Stand in His Victory Over Hell — Jesus has defeated sin, hell, and evil—the forces of darkness that plague many today and stir up all kinds of trouble and chaos.

I don’t know where you are at today as you read this. You might be at number one and need to ask if Jesus is the Son of the living God—to have Him reveal Himself to you. He will.

Or, you might need to confess, declare, and speak forth His Kingship over your life and rest in it.

For some of you, it’s number three. You have lived out one and two, find your spirit encouraged and strengthened by this truth: nothing formed against you shall prosper, for He has defeated the gates of Hades. The uncreated Son of the living God, who stands at the right hand of the Father and intercedes for you, is on point. He is at work. Greater is He who is in you than he who is in this world.