ROBERT@kontu.utu.fi (Robert W. Johnson) (03/13/91)
I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 16.19. What qualified Peter to become God's mouthpiece, to open the door of aith first to the Jews and them to the Gentiles? Surely it was that before Peter spoke he had himseld been spoken to: for before he could make use of the keys of the kingdom he must encounter the demands of the Kingdom upon himself. What does the term "kingdom" mean? Surely it is the realm of a king, the sphere of His authority. Soon after this, in the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter made his brilliant suggestion which would have provided a place for Moses and Elijah alongside the Lord. But in the KINGDOM you cannot do that! You cannot have more than one authority. There can only be one Voice. It was to point this lesson that "while he yet spake" the Father broke in with a rebuke which makes it plain that in the Kingdom everything hangs upon the King Himself speaking and upon our paying heed to His words. ----- Robert W. Johnson Computer center, The University of Turku, Turku Finland robert@kontu.utu.fi (InterNet) robert@firien.bitnet (BITNET) The preceeding is my opinion and may not express the opinion of my employer and furthermore has nothing to do with my employment.