Topic: Matthew 16:19 [John Hagee Devotional 23 May 2019]

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And 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

The person who holds the keys has the power to lock and unlock. He has the access and the authority. She can enter and exit freely.

In Matthew 16, Jesus has a heart-to-heart with the twelve disciples. He asks them this question: “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” In essence, He asked, “What do the curious say about Me?” The disciples tossed out some answers that they had overheard in the chatter surrounding Jesus. Some thought that maybe He was Elijah, perhaps John the Baptist, just a prophet like other prophets.

Jesus pressed a little harder: “But who do you say I am?” He had done enough; were they convinced? Impetuous Peter passionately blurted out, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Not only was he convinced, but he was committed.

Jesus rewarded him in the same way He rewards all those who are committed: He commissioned Peter. He said, “…on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Jesus appointed and authorized Peter. He gave him the keys. Like a law enforcement officer who wears a badge or a soldier who wears a uniform, those keys represent authority.

Jesus explained the keys to Peter, “…whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, we have access to the throne room of God. Because of the gift of His grace, we can freely enter. Whatever we have need of here on earth, we can unlock in heavenly places to be poured out on us. Whatever needs to be prevented here on earth can be locked in heavenly places.

If we are committed to Him, He has commissioned us. He has entrusted these keys to us. We cannot afford to lose them, to stick them in our pockets and forget about them. Those keys give us the privilege, the permission, and the power. They grant us the access and authority to retrieve those things we need. What will you do with these keys entrusted to you by the Son of the living God?

Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for pressing these keys into my hands. You have unlocked the door to Your presence, Your provision, Your protection, and the privilege of being one of Your children. Help me to unlock the power and every single promise You have for me. In Jesus’ name…amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

2 Samuel 2:12-3:39

New Testament 

John 13:1-30

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 119:1-16

Proverbs 15:29-30