As spiritual warriors, many of us have heard of binding and loosing. But there is another key that disciples can use to open doors that no one can shut and shut doors that no one can open.
The Word of God reveals this prophetic key in both the Old and New Testaments. It is the key of David. Some call it the “Isaiah 22:22 key” it reads, “The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder. Then he shall open, and no one shall shut. And he shall shut, and no one shall open.”
Jesus has the key and can open and close as he wills. Our job as visionary people is to discern his will and kingdom purpose so we can train our authority in his name to open what he wants opened and shut what he wants shut.
When life goes in ways we do not expect, and when those directions include suffering and disappointment, we can easily become discouraged. We wonder if God has forgotten us. We worry that our lives will sputter out like a car that has run out of gas. We fear we will end, “not with a bang, but a moan.”
In Psalm 138, David begins by thanking the Lord for his “unfailing love and faithfulness”. God answered his prayers, even on the day David offered them. Even though God is infinitely great, “he cares for the humble”. David was surrounded by troubles and enemies. In faith, David said, “The Lord will work out his plans for my life for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever” (138:8). David had trust in God’s greatest purpose for him, which God would fulfill. Thus, David did not have to be afraid or discouraged. God would take care of him.
In today’s Gospel proclamation Jesus warns his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ. Why? The people were looking for the Messiah to bring a political kingdom, but for now the kingdom is existing in a spiritual form.
Who is Jesus? He is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God. The eye of faith recognises who Jesus is. By faith we take hold of this Son of God, and from him we obtain the free gift of salvation and reconciliation.
Christianity is not a set of rules to comply with or rituals to be per-
formed to win God’s favour. It is a connection. We are brought into God’s family and set free from all captivity. Who is Jesus to us? Are we answering to the revelation of God being given to us or are we denying it?

Prayer: Abba Father, I ask for the grace of the Holy Spirit to be open to your Word, and to know you more. Amen.