GRACE AND A FIRESIDE CHAT.

There is something about a campfire that stimulates conversation. When you put a group of men around a campfire chat becomes a natural phenomenon. some of the most important decisions made during the founding days of this country were made around campfires.

Recorded in the Gospel of Matthew is a conversation that occurred between Jesus and His disciples. They were travailing through the area of Caesarea Philippi as the day began to fade and preparations were made for the evening. Something in my imagination places this event around a campfire. Sitting by the fire and resting for the evening Jesus asked a question, “ Who do men say that I, the son of Man, am?”

Interesting question and so were the answers. One shared that some people believed Jesus was actually John the Baptist resurrected. Another shared that some people believed he was one of the prophets such as Elijah or Jeremiah who had come back to life. I can hear the chuckles and see the humorous expressions on faces of men, as they look to each other and discuses the nature of his identity.

The ignorance of the world does not surprise Him and the humor of the fireside chat does not offend Him. However, it is an occasion for the community to become intimate and so Jesus asks a second question. “ But who do you say I am?”

This question muffles their laughter leaving only a popping and cracking of the embers to penetrate this uncomfortable silence, which permeates the band of brothers. There is a reluctance to answer as each man feels the radiance from the fire on his face. Simon the choleric is moved as He opens his mouth and speaks more than he understands.“ You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

A grace moment has occurred as The Holy Spirit reveals the deeper things of God to those who are willing to believe. Jesus confirms the prophetic voice and reciprocates blessing to his friend. “Simon son of Jonah flesh and blood has not revealed this to you …you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church…”

When I read about a fireside chat where a man opened his heart to the presence of God and spoke more than he could possibly understand I see a reflection of grace.

(Matt.16:13-19)