Faithful on Fridays Blog

This fall I am planning a trip to the Rock of Gibraltar. That’s important to today’s message because I want to talk about Peter’s name change from ‘hearer’ to ‘rock’ in this second part of Leadership Lessons.

First of all, God has attributes of a rock. He is immovable, unchangeable, impenetrable, and He is our Protector. When things aren’t going well in our lives we need to be able to trust those characteristics about Him.

From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. (Psalms 61:2, 3 NLT)

Secondly, Jesus strategically changed Simon’s name to Peter which means ‘rock’. That is significant because this impulsive young follower would be transformed into the leader of the Twelve Apostles and ultimately of the newly formed Church. Jesus knew His name needed to reflect a new characteristic: rock-like faith.

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. (Matthew 16:15-18 NLT)

The reason why Jesus changed Simon’s name was that he had received a personal revelation from God that would forever transform him. It was the Rock of Salvation Who spoke to Simon’s heart and revealed Himself in Christ. That same divine revelation reveals God to an individual today. No person can give revelation; it is only God who removes the blinders from people’s hearts so they can hear and understand Him.

Leaders, we need to receive divine revelation from God and declare it into our lives and ministries in order to create life. Words have power and Jesus blessed Peter for using them correctly. Peter, later on in his life, preached the gospel and used more inspired words to convince Jews and Gentiles alike that Jesus Christ is the Messiah.

Finally, the Church that was being formed would need this revelation of the impenetrable, immovable, unchangeable Rock in order to endure. The gates of Hell and it’s power will not prevail over this global community of believers who have rock-like faith. When I stand on the Rock of Gibraltar I hope to declare the wonderful scriptures describing God as the Rock and stand before Him in faith, no matter the circumstances.

For more detail on Peter, the rock, go to my website: www.thecourseoflife.com and click on Resources. My ebook is free and downloadable.