Come Follow Me Day 39

Day 39 “Keys”

Devotional: 

There was a popular gameshow in the 1960’s called “To Tell the Truth.” In the show, a person of notoriety and two imposters tried to match wits with a panel of four celebrities. The object of the game was to fool the celebrities into voting for the two impostors. There was only one who told the truth about their real identity. Jesus played a little game with the disciples, asking them to reveal Jesus’ real identity. He asked the question, “Who do people say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). And Peter won the game.

The answer? “You are the Christ.” Peter didn’t win a trip to Hawaii or a brand new car, but He did win the admiration of his leader, Jesus. And he did win “keys” (Mathew 16:19). And it was for something far greater than a car, it was for the kingdom of heaven. Keys represent authority. People in authority have keys. And Peter, along with the other disciples, would be given authority when Jesus went back to heaven, to impact the world for the kingdom of God. They would establish the early church, which is covered in the book of Acts.

This crew of men sure didn’t seem like good nominees to be world-changers when you look at their lives in the gospels. They didn’t realize who Jesus fully was or why He did or taught certain things. They argued and bickered among themselves, and yet these men would be used mightily of God. Now, they didn’t own the keys, Jesus did. It’s like if you have a teenage driver. They don’t own the car but they have the authority to drive the car when you give it to them.

Despite the disciples’ weaknesses, the reason they impacted lives for the kingdom of God is because they went in the authority and power of Jesus Christ. It’s the same today. We certainly don’t feel up to the task. Sometimes our faith is small and we bicker and fight when we should be loving and serving. Our lives can look a bit like the disciples. But Jesus still wants to use us. He has given us “keys,” the authority under His name to impact lives.

Don’t you just love the way Jesus put it in Matthew 16:18? “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” There is nothing Satan can do to stop the movement of God when the church moves out on mission for Jesus, in the name of Jesus, with the power of Jesus! Each of the disciples made a lasting impact. 

Here’s what the disciples did after Jesus went back to heaven, according to tradition. Andrew brought the gospel to Bulgaria. Bartholomew was a missionary to India. James (Son of Alphaeus) stayed and served in Jerusalem and James (son of Zebedee) served in Judea and was the first disciple martyred for the faith. John was banished to Patmos because of the gospel, but wrote the book of Revelation while there. 

Matthew became a missionary in Parthia (modern day Iran) and Peter led the early establishment of the church and would go on to serve in other lands including Italy and Asia. Philip took the gospel to Turkey. Simon the Zealot served the church in Jerusalem, Judas son of James was a missionary to Edessa and the surrounding areas of modern day Iraq and Syria. Thomas went from doubting the resurrection of Jesus to spreading the gospel in Iran, Afghanistan and possibly India.

These men went on to impact the world because “the gates of hell shall not prevail.” God still wants to use His people to impact lives around the world. What has God called you to? Our perfect God delights in using imperfect people. Will you offer your life in service to the Savior? Hell can’t stop you if you do!

Prayer: 

Pray for one opportunity this week to step out by faith and share the hope of Jesus with someone in need. Take time praying about a possible ministry God could use you in.