The Gate

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. -Matthew 16:13-18

There is something significant about the “gate” that Jesus refers to in this text. It’s important to know that the symbol of a “gate” was very significant in the times of Jesus. During these times, the Elders would sit at the gate and would render judgment. The gate was also the place where council was discerned, and the Elders would utilize this area to discuss the issues of town. Jesus uses this metaphor of “gate” in his conversation with His disciples to show the evil council of hell (...”and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”).

We must remember we were all created for a specific purpose. Essentially, we all have a destiny that was carefully designed by God. Considering this, we also know that there are evil influences that are out to destroy our destiny and purpose. The enemy will orchestrate plots to dismantle our purpose, and we often find ourselves playing “defense” to these attacks. God is calling us to a place of security! God has equipped us and reassured us that the gates of hell cannot disrupt what God has already ordained! Isaiah 55:11 says “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” What God commands, will always stand true! Instead of playing defense, we must play offensively to the enemy! God has given us the anointing to establish “new ideas” to attach to the evil forces at its core.

One of the main reasons we remain stagnant in this “defensive” battle with the enemy, is the shame we have in ourselves. The enemy feeds off our insecurities and our imperfections to the extent that we begin to believe our purpose cannot be completed through us. What’s so amazing about this text is that Peter (an imperfect person), was utilized by the Father to reveal who Jesus really was! Verse 17 says “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” If God could utilize an imperfect person to reveal this, how much more would He do it for us for His purpose to be carried out? Certainly, we’re imperfect people, however, we’re called to bring the battle to enemy, instead of embracing the enemy in defense. In the process, we shouldn’t feel ashamed about where we are. In fact, it’s a stepping stone to our victory!