Text: Matthew 16:17
Further Reading: Matthew 16:13-23
Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 16:17 NKJV
MESSAGE
It is true that satan is out on a rampage today. There seems to be no limit to his wicked manipulations and operations. This is because he knows that he has a limited time.
Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”
Revelation 12:12 NKJV
The more reason why the believer must watch out and be ready after a victory. If you think the devil will give up on your life, you are mistaken. This fight for your soul is a fight to finish, thankfully Jesus has won the victory for us.
No words sum today’s message more than the first two verses of the old hymn “Christian, seek not yet repose”.
Christian, seek not yet repose; Cast thy dreams of ease away, Thou art in the midst of foes: ” Watch and pray.” Principalities and powers, Mustering their unseen array, Wait for thine unguarded hours: ” Watch and pray.”
In our text and reading of the day, Peter had just been divinely inspired by God’s Spirit about the true personality of Christ. Jesus had commended this and Peter must have been feeling proud until suddenly satan took of the same man.
Peter went from a man inspired by God to a man inspired by the devil whom Christ had to rebuke. This can happen to any of us and that is why we must not relax, there is no room for spiritual laxity, or else one will become satan’s victim. You must always keep yourself ready because you don’t know the time when the enemy will strike.
REFLECTION
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
1 Peter 4:7 NKJV
Always be watchful and prayerful because temptation may come at any time, especially after your greatest victory.
PRAYER
Father, please help me to be more watchful and prayerful. Keep me firm in You in Jesus’ name. Amen
