Matthew 16:13-17 English Standard Version

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

¹³ Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” ¹⁴ And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” ¹⁵ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” ¹⁶ Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” ¹⁷ And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

Has anyone asked you, “Who is this Jesus?” I confess no one has asked me that question. Maybe the reason is because many people have already formed an opinion about Jesus. While it has not happened yet, there may come a time when someone does. We should all have an answer ready that is personal and believable. What is the point of answering this question if we do not have a realistic expectation of being believed?

“He is MY personal LORD and Savior.”

That is my answer and my hope is that by including emphatic words it might lead to further discussion because this is a personal question. We cannot answer for everyone, nor should we try. The generic canned answers do not elicit strong emotional connection to this relationship which is both profound and deeply passionate. If we cannot show our passion for Christ, why would anyone want to investigate a relationship for themselves?

We don’t have to be sappy about it but a certain amount of enthusiasm can go a long way in extending the conversation. What is the point of telling of His great love if we act nonchalant in the telling? Imagine running into an old friend you have not seen in years and they have never met your spouse.

 How would you describe your soulmate?

2 Timothy 3:2 English Standard Version (ESV) For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,

When a list of attributes appear in the bible do we examine our own attitudes and behaviors in comparison? Today ungrateful stands out. Ungrateful goes beyond an attitude of forgetful. We must not think of ourselves as ungrateful just because much of what we are experiencing at any particular moment is mind consuming.

Praise in worship is great but is that the attitude of gratefulness? Grateful should be connected to being saved out a circumstance, where we felt helpless, by the hand of God.

Psalm 121:1-2 English Standard Version

A Song of Ascents.

¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
² My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Ascent is so often associated with effort, with the struggles of climbing to a higher ground. Yet it is our Lord who is our help and support in every effort to come closer to Him.

Psalm 18:35 English Standard Version (ESV) You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.

Feeling ungrateful in the midst of dire circumstances is unwarranted. The fact that we can even stand during these troubling times is a sign of God’s loving mercy and we should try and remember that fact. We are human and pain comes in many forms. It is only a temporary distraction and not a truth.

Psalm 30:5 English Standard Version (ESV) For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.^{[His favor is life]}  Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Dawn is inspiring when viewed from higher ground.

Revelation 22:16 English Standard Version (ESV) “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”