Keys to the Kingdom Heaven

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Matthew 16:13-20 

When I served in Delaware, the church I served had been founded in 1704. The keys to the old church were monstrously large in comparison to newer buildings. The locks were large as well. Holding them gave one a sense of gravitas, the weight of the years and the people that sacrificed for that community through good times and bad. The responsibility felt enormous at times, caring for both a long legacy and the living needs.

Peter defines who Jesus is for himself and is given the keys to heaven. St. Peter is forever symbolized with keys, and the one who stand at the door of heaven admitting or refusing folks. In reality, the keys are for all of us. The simple acknowledgment of the Son of the living God is enough for us all. We are given enormous power through simple belief. We know Peter was a bumbler, more than once denying Jesus. Yet, like us, he still holds the keys and is still loved and welcomed eternally.

Today, I ask God to help me live life through simply believing each day. May we know we are beloved of God and live with the compassion and forgiveness from the heart of God.