For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
Peter and Paul received special revelation from God about the identity of Jesus Christ. In response to that revelation they spent their lives preaching the Kingdom.
The revelation of Jesus Christ was not something Peter and Paul only received once. They needed it again and again as they faced the trials of their lives.
The Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
When Peter doubted the LORD gave him the opportunity to turn back and speak his love three times to the LORD. When he was in prison the LORD delivered him. Paul, too, relied on the LORD all throughout the hardships of his journeys.
Peter and Paul are among the great pillars of the Church through whom we receive the truth. We see in them that we Jesus is worthy of trust. We too receive the invitation to experience the revelation of the identity of Jesus Christ. It is as if Peter and Paul are saying, 'Jesus was faithful to us. He is the Son of God. He is worthy of your trust as well.' Knowing this can sustain us in trials. It can break us free from stagnation and make the gate of iron to open by itself. It is the way back when we doubt and when we fail.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Let's stake everything on the rock of Peter's faith. We at one and the same time receive direct revelation that Jesus is the Son of God and that the Church is his body. We place our trust in the whole Jesus. This is the precious truth that the enemy and the world want to steal from us. If we cling to it, cling to Jesus himself, nothing can harm us.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
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