THE CONTINUITY OF GOD'S WORD

I love the continuity of God's Word!  

Let me cite two examples from where I'm reading today in Matthew 16-17.

In verses 13-20, Jesus asked His disciples Who do people say the Son of Man is?  [v.13]

They give Him several answers:  John the Baptist (raised from the dead), Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.

Then He asks:  Who do you say that I am?  [v.15]

No gap, no hesitation.  Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  [v.16]

Jesus is very pleased with Peter's answer and gives him a huge Atta-boy!  

In the scripture, the very next thing to happen is for Jesus to announce for the very first time:  that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.  [v.21]

No gap, no hesitation.  Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.  "Never, Lord!"  he said.  "This shall never happen to you!"  [v.22]

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan!  You are a stumbling block to me;  [v.23]  In the New English Bible He continues by saying, "You think as men think, not as God thinks."  

So much for the atta-boy!

Can you believe the progression of these events as recorded by Matthew?  

This passage illustrates why so many people identify with Peter so strongly.  He's brash, impulsive, outspoken, bold, courageous, and frequently in trouble.  All of this makes him one of our favorite New Testament characters.

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Jesus follows his correction of Peter with a brief monologue that is filled with powerful images and teaching!  Few have genuinely explored the depth of meaning and impact of His words here:  [vs.24-27]

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Let's focus on that last (underlined) verse.  It ends chapter 16.  Do you remember what opens chapter 17?  The story of Jesus taking Peter, James and John up a high mountain by themselves.  [v.1]

There he was transfigured before them.  His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.  Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.   [vs.2-3]

Remember, He had just previously (in scripture) said that some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.

Six days later (but immediately in the scripture) three of those who were standing there that day got to see Jesus in all His glory on the Mount of Transfiguration!  You gotta love it!

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These are just two examples of the continuity of God's Word.  There are MANY more!  The Word is God's love gift to His people!  We are to treasure it in our hearts the same way that Mary treasured things in her heart [Luke 2:19].  There are daily delights tucked away in this book for us!  The same Holy Spirit who inspired the original writers is in you (if you love and serve Jesus).  This Holy Spirit will open the Word of God to you personally and inspire and instruct you!  Do you believe it?  Give Him a chance by opening the Word today!