Set on the russet cliffs of Mt. Hermon is a rock-hewn cave in the area of Caesarea Philippi, located near Dan, a paradise of lush green woods and the head waters of the Jordan River. Mt. Hermon has been considered a holy place for thousands of years. Archaeologists have unearthed foundations of The Temple of Baal, the Temple of the Golden Calf, the Court of Pan, the Temple of Caesar Augustus, and the Temple of Zues in this place. This cave was considered “The Gates of Hades (Hell)” because it was the scene of human sacrifice where people, even children, were thrown and never seen again.
The apostles thought of the area of Caesarea Philippi as a very wicked place and didn’t want to go there, but Jesus chose the area of this cave to make a point. He said, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (Matthew 16:13-18).
“What about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” The answer to that question is the most important decision you and I will ever make. Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus blessed him and said, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.” The rock He talked about was not the rock over over the cave, but the confession of faith Peter made–that Jesus is the Christ.
Today our gods are not Baal, the Golden Calf, Pan, Caesar Augustus or Zues. When Jesus said, “The gates of Hell will not overcome it,” the “gates” were physical defensive objects. Joshua was not afraid to breach the gates or the walls of Jericho (Joshua 1). Sampson tore down the gates of Gaza and carried them to the top of the hill that faced Hebron (Judges 16). So what do you believe our Gates of Hell are? Think about these things: The lie that truth is relative and not absolute. The lie that our feelings determine what is right or wrong. Our unquenchable thirst for self-fulfillment and power. These are defensive mechanisms. God’s people will proclaim the truth, that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6), and more. Many say Christians are judgmental, and that when they speak the truth about sin, they are committing hate crimes. We live in a world of sin, but we are not of the world. A life of fulfillment and purpose is a life that pleases God, not man.
Situations and circumstances change but God does not. Will we be persecuted? Yes. Jesus said the world hated Him, and it will hate us. He also said He would be with us to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for using physical things to demonstrate spiritual truth. Help us to be on the offense and stand for truth. Thank you that you do not leave us alone, but that you are with us. Help us to live our lives pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Closer Walk with God 