True Meaning And Substance For Living

"Today's Devotion" For May 9, 2005

Read: Matthew 16:1-16; Acts 17:17-34

TRUE MEANING AND SUBSTANCE FOR LIVING

"'You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.'"(Mt.16:16)

What is the content of your life? On what do you base your existence? What is the meaning and substance of living for you? Such are the questions that prick at the corners of our hearts and minds as we seek to know and understand ourselves. The world is a very complex place and its complexities seem to continually "muddy the waters" of our day-to- day living. Not only are we challenged by the shifting sands of societal and cultural changes, but spiritual changes and uncertainties as well. What used to seem so obvious when it came to the clarity and purpose of God's Word and Will, is now thrown into question daily by a culture that is increasingly spiritually hostile and illiterate where it concerns God's Word, His Will, and His plan of salvation for the world in Jesus Christ. It's significant that Matthew reveals a situation in Jesus' day not so very different from our day, for as Jesus is beginning his journey to Jerusalem and the Cross, there is some doubt as to Who He is and what His purpose is all about.

Jesus has had to face the continuing spiritual ignorance of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They've continued to challenge His ministry and mission. They've seen His miracles and heard His preaching and teaching, and still they want a sign from Him as to the veracity of His Word and ministry. Jesus disciples needed to face the reality of the Pharisees' and Sadducees' doubt and unbelief, as well as these leaders' animosity toward Jesus. Jesus warns His disciples that they should be alert to the very real threat to their faith and hope in Him that the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees pose for them. He notes that these two groups of "spiritual leaders" are living lives that are empty and devoid of truth and faith in God, a condition that affects all false spiritual leaders throughout history, including our own day. Their living is false and empty, and it's a lifestyle and worldview from which God's people need to separate themselves.

In the face of this very real situation of the spiritual leadership of the people "going south" when it came to the Word and Will of God, Jesus raises the question: "Who do men say that I , the Son of Man, am?" It was an important question then, and it still is today. The disciples responded that the people saw Jesus in many ways. For some He was John the Baptist; for others He was Elijah; still others thought Him to be Jeremiah or one of the prophets. To this day, that same confusion reigns among the people of the world. For many Jesus was a great rabbi, a holy man, a radical, a revolutionary, or an itinerant preacher, making it quite obvious that Jesus' question is just as applicable today as it was when He asked it of the disciples. It's a question that leads to a very real and necessary discovery as to Who Jesus really is. It's a question that seeks to draw attention to the need for people to fill the spiritual void in their lives with faith in Him.

In order to focus His disciples' attention, Jesus turns the question on them. He asks, "But who do you say that I am?" It's not so important that others know who Jesus is, if His own disciples don't have a clue (goes for you and me, too). In response to this question, we hear Peter's magnificent answer, declaring "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Peter's answer resonates with us as God's people. It's the answer we believe and confess each day of our lives as we live in Christ and He in us. The substance of our faith isn't some human philosophy or convoluted way of thinking, nor is it tied up in what people (including you and me) think or feel. The substance of faith is found in its perfect form in Jesus Christ, in His suffering, death, and resurrection for the sins of the whole world. Such faith in Jesus Christ gives our lives meaning and purpose. We're not dependent on the world's standards, but instead set standards for the world. Our lives aren't governed by how people think we should live or think, nor by how much power, wealth, or prestige we've obtained. Great accomplishments mean nothing when it comes to faithful living. Our lives find their context in God's Word and His call to us to serve Him as disciples of Jesus Christ. A life of true substance is the one that sees, with Peter, the Savior and Lord of all. "For in Him we live and move and have our being." (St. Paul-Acts 17:28)

Prayer: Father, Peter's great confession of faith in Jesus is followed, throughout the history of Your Church, by the same conviction and confession among Your people. Great men and women of faith have walked this earth, holding the greatest treasure of their lives to be their faith in Christ Jesus. It's only in Him that my life has any substance or meaning. Father, the world is a lost wasteland, desperately in need of spiritual direction and guidance from You. Yet Your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Jesus Christ is often ignored. Your Word is frequently considered more fiction than fact. For those lost in Sin and unbelief Your plan of salvation in the Gospel of Christ is considered so much "stuff and nonsense." Father, in the face of such challenges to share the Gospel give me the strength of faith to boldly meet those challenges and be a faithful ambassador and witness of Your love and forgiveness in Christ to all whom I meet each day. May my life find its true meaning and substance in my service to others in Jesus' name, as I share Your love in Him boldly and confidently at all times. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.