Jesus: “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18 NIV
God has a plan to win the world He created, the world for which Jesus came. It’s His Church. A Church strong and faithful and winsome. But it’s a massive task. Unless we remember what Jesus assured us, we may feel unable for our part in the mission.
Jesus takes full responsibility for building His Church. Not only does He say that He is the Builder, but He also promises that nothing will stop it. When He said, “the gates of hell,” He was referring to the realm of death, Hades or Sheol in ancient Hebrew and Greek. Jesus meant that nothing, not even physical death or even hell itself, would trap and defeat Him or permanently conquer His people.
Jesus described an attacking Church. In the warfare of that day, city gates were defensive structures. By stating that the gates would not overcome it, Jesus declared that His church would push forward like a mighty army breaking down the strongholds of evil and death. His Church would never hide in fear.
When we understand that Jesus has promised to be the Builder, we know we don’t have to carry the weight. We do not have to force growth or take responsibility for fixing every issue. We can be confident that His grace and wisdom will lead and empower us for all that is needed. Opposition and hard times cannot destroy what Jesus is building. We can fully commit to the mission and call as willing, joyful partners with Jesus. He is the Savior and Builder.
1 Corinthians 3:11 tells us that Jesus is not only the Builder of the Church – He is the foundation: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have – Jesus Christ.” We are HIS Church; HIS house. “Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself” (Ephesians 2:20 NLT).
All through Scripture we find continual affirmation that we work with God in this absolutely guaranteed successful work. "So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow" (1 Corinthians 3:7 NIV). "... the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow" (Colossians 2:19 NIV). "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47 NIV). What motivation and encouragement!
• God, use me today to work with Jesus to build Your Church.