One of the biggest debates in Christian theology has long been the nature of justification (part of the differences in "Arminian" and "Calvinist" viewpoints) and one of the most confusing things in Jesus teaching to me is His often stated "don't tell" warnings to healing recipients and here His disciples. While I still feel a long way from the answers, this time reading through this passage (in part with yesterday's thoughts so fresh in my mind) made me think about this from a new perspective.And Jesus responded, "Simon son of Jonah, you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:17-18 HCSB)
And He gave the disciples orders to tell no one that He was the Messiah. (Matthew 16:20 HCSB)
I see a reminder here that, just as Simon did not come to this firm foundation of faith in who Jesus is by his own searching or persuasive argument, it is a personal interaction with God Almighty that allows one to understand the truth of who He is. On the other hand, it was the confession of his brother that brought Him to meet Jesus (John 1:40-42). While I think we should feel burdened by sharing His desire that everyone see Him as Savior (1 Timothy 2:4-6), the messenger should not feel a failure if none respond. The job of drawing hearts is that of the Holy Spirit; the job of the ambassador is to point the way.
I apologize if this sounds like pointless rambling, but I will be wrestling with understanding this for some time. But for now, my answer in the debate of "Did God call me?" or "Did I call on God?" is "With eternal thanks, YES!"
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