We Are The Church: The Rock of Obedience
Thursday, December 11
Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Devotion
In this moment of Scripture, Simon receives a new name—Peter, meaning rock—spoken directly from the lips of Jesus. In that name change, Christ wasn’t merely renaming a man; He was declaring Peter’s identity and prophesying his role in the expansion of the Kingdom.
For those of us who have walked with the Lord for many years, or are serious about our relationship with the LORD, this invites a sober reminder: it is vital that we honor what the LORD has spoken to us personally. We are called not only to remember His words, but to actively receive them, meditate on them, pray into them, fast over them, study them, and then take faithful steps of obedience.
Write the book He’s been nudging you to write.
Give the gift He placed on your heart.
Open your home.
Be present with your children.
Build what He told you to build.
Serve where He whispered for you to go.
Do the very thing the LORD has spoken.
Jesus tells us in Mark 13:32, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Because the timing of His return is known to the Father alone, we are meant to live with a holy urgency—an urgency of obedience.
Let our obedience become our legacy. May the next generation inherit a faith marked by trust, surrender, and responsiveness to God’s voice. And may the seeds we sow through simple, steadfast obedience enlarge the Kingdom of Heaven for the glory of God.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess I have often been slow to obey. Forgive me. Order my steps. Stir my heart. Show me what things I can put my hand to fruitfully for Your Kingdom, and show me the things You have delegated to others that are not mine to take up. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
The list above contains some examples of practical steps of obedience God may be directing. What has He shown you? Simple obedience, like sowing seeds, is something God can cause to grow and produce fruit in you and through you.
Resources
- Write down the last three things God placed on your heart. Which one can you begin today? Ask the Holy Spirit for courage and clarity to take the next step.