Rock

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. ~ Matthew 16:18

How did Simon become the "rock?" That's what Peter means - from the Greek "petros" and Aramaic "cephas."

He sure didn't seem like a rock at the beginning, and well, even at the ending. He was impulsive, had a little bit of an ego complex, and wasn't always trustworthy to do what he said he was going to do - to dire consequences.

Not exactly qualities I expect with rock-ness. Yet Jesus called him anyway. Named him rock anyway.

Later, Peter would grow into that name.

Was that why? Did he grow into the name because Jesus saw something in him? Or did he grow into the name because that name moved something inside himself?

God names us and claims us. I am more than Allison. I am beloved. I am daughter. I am sister. I am friend. I am deacon.

And you are more than your name.

God sees something in you, too. God has claimed by naming you as God's own child.

How will you grow into that name as Peter grew into his?

Gracious one, help me to live into the name you have given me: your beloved. Help me to see the belovedness in the others you have named as claimed as well. Amen