And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:17-18)
I am writing this devotional today from Sandpoint, Idaho, as I begin the first leg of a ten-day LINKS missionary journey to several clubs in the Pacific Northwest with Jeffrey Cranford.
As you can imagine, there has been some friendly ribbing among friends, as they often do when competing over a five-dollar game.
Among Jeff’s many gifts is the gift of nicknaming. He has a unique way of finding the perfect nickname for a person. For example, Steve Pircher is “Popeini.” Steve is like Houdini on the golf course, getting out of impossible situations with ease, much like a magician.
With a last name shared with a major plumbing fixture company and the ability to drain numerous putts when needed, Marc Kohler has earned the nickname “The Kohler Flush.” Jeff affectionately calls me “The Herminator” (you can ask him why).
Jeff’s nicknames are typically endearing and often create a special bond and recognition of a person’s unique personality or attributes. Jesus performed some of his own nicknaming, which was deeply significant in the early church and provides a lesson for us to consider.
While with his disciples in Caesarea Philippi, he asked the question, “Who do people say that I am?” and his disciples responded with the various opinions of the masses.
Jesus then asked, “But who do you (plural) say that I am?” Simon bar-Jonah answered on behalf of the twelve, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus gives Simon (son of Jonah) a new name, Peter, and declares that he will build a church upon this rock.
The rock on which Jesus is building his church is: Jesus himself, his salvation given to us through his death and resurrection, the confession of faith that Peter proclaimed, and that all subsequent believers would come to profess.
If Jesus asked you the same question, “Who do you say I am?” would you respond like Peter? Is he your Lord and Savior?
We are praying for more LINKS leaders to join the mission to attract our friends to Him through the game of golf.
Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into the harvest.” Are you ready to start a fellowship and join the mission? You may just get a new nickname.
Prayer: Lord, give us eyes to see and hearts to know you, and help us be part of your mission to bring change in the world through you. We ask you to raise up more leaders for LINKS as we transform conversations at our clubs.