Saturday, February 14, 2009

Blessing 71- Matthew 16:17

Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven (Matthew 16:17)

Peter here answered a question that the other 11 disciples could not. He got a revelation that the others did not get. The question was simple, but the answer was profound. Let's read,

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:13-16)

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are also called the "gifts of grace" [We have different gifts, according to the grace given us......(Romans 12:6)] and the Father in heaven chose to give this revelation to Peter.
Why was Peter chosen to be given this revelation??

God decides which gift is to be given to each believer.

All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12:11)

......gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Hebrews 2:4)

Of course the Bible also says,
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. (1 Corinthians 14:1)

We have to eagerly/earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but God will give what is best for us to edify others and build His kingdom here on earth.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7)

It's not because Peter was super-spiritual that he was given this revelation. And neither are we given spiritual gifts because we are above others. It's just grace......AMAZING GRACE.

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