In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, amidst the noise of competing voices and endless distractions, there remains one question that stands above all others, echoing through the corridors of history and into the depths of our souls: Who is Jesus?
This question, posed by Jesus himself to his disciples in the Gospel of Matthew, surpasses mere curiosity. It is the question that defines our identity, shapes our purpose, and ultimately determines our eternal destiny. Let's consider three individuals whose answers transformed their lives forever. Peter: Embracing Identity and Purpose In Matthew 16, Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter's response, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," is not merely a theological proclamation but a profound revelation of identity and purpose. Through this confession, Peter receives a new name and a divine commission – he is called to be a rock upon which Jesus will build his church. Peter's answer unlocks his true identity and sets him on a journey of fulfilling his God-given purpose. The Demon-Possessed Man: Finding Freedom In Mark 5, we encounter a man tormented by demons, living in chains and darkness. Yet, at the sight of Jesus, he runs and worships him, acknowledging Jesus as the Son of the Most High God. Through this simple act of faith, the man experiences liberation from his bondage and is restored to wholeness. His answer to Jesus' question brings about a radical transformation, leading him from captivity to freedom. The Criminal on the Cross: Receiving Eternal Life In Luke 23, as Jesus hangs on the cross, crucified between two criminals, one of them recognizes Jesus' innocence and addresses him as "Lord." With a humble plea, he asks Jesus to remember him when he enters his kingdom. In response, Jesus assures him of eternal life, declaring, "Today you will be with me in Paradise." Despite his past mistakes and the consequences he faces, the criminal's acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord secures his place in the kingdom of God. These stories compel us to consider our own response to Jesus' question: Who do you say that I am? In the midst of life's complexities and uncertainties, this question remains the cornerstone of our faith journey. How we answer it shapes our identity, informs our purpose, and determines our eternal destiny. As we pause to reflect on this pivotal question, may we echo Peter's confession, the demon-possessed man's worship, and the criminal's plea. May we declare with conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God – our Savior, our Redeemer, and our Lord. Let us ponder this question deeply, for in it lies the key to a life transformed by the power of the One who asks it. So I leave you with this question: Who do you say that Jesus is? WATCH "Who Do You Say He Is?" on YouTube. Forgiveness is a powerful force that has the potential to transform our lives in profound ways. It's not just a concept reserved for marital relationships; forgiveness matters in every facet of our lives. This truth resonates deeply as we delve into Psalms 103, where the power of forgiveness is illustrated.
Psalms 103:2 implores us to "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Here, the soul represents our mind, will, and emotions. It's a call to trust in God wholeheartedly, acknowledging that without faith, it's impossible to please Him. Forgiveness is a critical component of this trust. What does it mean to forgive? God forgives all our iniquities, even the deep-seated sins that seem impossible to overcome. From addiction to recurring patterns of behavior, God's forgiveness extends to every corner of our lives, and it's the gateway to experiencing God's abundant blessings and benefits. Forgiveness isn't just about letting go of past wrongs; it's about embracing a new way of life. It's about acknowledging that God's grace is the channel through which His blessings flow. Through forgiveness, we open the door to healing, redemption, and renewal. As we embrace forgiveness, we open ourselves to God's abundant blessings and experience true freedom in our relationships and personal well-being. WATCH "The Power of Forgiveness" on YouTube.
"I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed." (Philippians 1: 19-20) Paul is in prison, and he points out that his deliverance is tied to his earnest expectation and hope that he "will in no way be ashamed." Shame can have such a crippling force in our Christianity. Imagine if your spiritual leader were in prison. Your friends would all be like, "Well, what'd he do?" And to be honest here, before he was this great apostle, Paul led a life of persecuting and killing Christians. So really, he had plenty of reason to be ashamed. But he knew that shame is the real prison from which we need freedom; he believed that he shouldn't be ashamed of anything. How often do we carry around regret, thinking we should have done this thing, or we shouldn't have done that? But your sins were separated from you, set aside, and nailed to the cross. So today, let's let go of any shame and let our prayer be like Paul's—that because of Christ, I will in no way be ashamed. In John 4, Jesus tells a woman that the water from her well will just leave her thirsty again, but that the water He has is living water and anyone who drinks it will never thirst again. In verse 11, she asks Him, “Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself?” Jesus is offering some new water, but she’s like, “Hey, the old water is better.” And she is referring to really old, like Jacob old; he dug that well over 1000 years ago! It’s funny to us because here is the Messiah, literally the son of God, telling her that he has something new, and she wants to stay with the old stuff. Jesus has something entirely better—something that works—and she wants to stay with the same old thing that doesn’t work. She is living in the past and maybe pulling from the well of her history. She has a checkered past, and perhaps she is letting shame hold her back. Let’s make sure we’re not holding on so tightly to the old that we entirely miss the new. Jesus is a new well of living water. Let’s drink from that! “Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river.” (Ezekiel 47:12) These fruit trees are you; you are called to bear fruit to God. It goes on to say, “Every month they will bear fruit, because….” Wait, because what? For a tree to bear fruit every month, something magical is happening. Most fruit trees give you fruit once a year, but I want to be fruitful like this! So, because what? Are you ready? It says, “Every month they will bear fruit because the water from the sanctuary flows to them.” This whole chapter is about the new church, the church that Jesus spoke of, His church, His bride, the gathering place of those who are called out, the city whose architect and builder is the Lord. When you plant yourself in God’s house, and you get that water from the sanctuary every week, then you’re in the river of God’s Word and His Spirit. And it comes with a promise, not just of the promised land that you are on, not just the glorious riches that are in the saints, not just the hidden mysteries of God, but also extra fruit. Do you need more fruit? Then get planted in God’s house, rooted and established in Him.
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