Who Do You Say That I Am?

Matthew 16:13-17 (NKJV) When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven."

Who is Jesus to you? Is He a character in a story you’ve heard? Is He the one you only call out to when all hell is breaking loose in your life? Do you look to Him with admiration from afar? Is He the one you blame when things don’t go your way?

Jesus! This name... the name that is above EVERY name!!! It can mean so many things to so many people...yet... there was only one correct answer to the question. He is the Christ! The Son of the living God!! It’s hard for me to continue writing at this point... tears flow as I think of what this means to me. We all have our stories. Mine was paved with sexual abuse, pain and anger. There was absolutely nothing within my nature that you would think would attract the Son of God. Still... in the midst of my depravity, He held out His hand and pulled me out of the gutter, the pit that my soul had created for my existence and future. There was no hope for me, not a desire to even live, until His love shined upon the darkest areas of my heart. Though what was illuminated was dark and ugly, as I repented and gave it all to Him, His shed blood cleansed me, set me free and made me whole.

Who do I say that He is!!?? He’s everything to me!! He’s my Savior, healer, provider, redeemer, joy, peace, strength, ability, the love of my life, the Lover of my soul, my reason for living and the passion of my life!!! There’s not a moment that I’m not mindful of Him!! There’s not a decision made that I don’t seek His counsel and direction! I’ve lived life without it and it’s not a place I wish to ever return!

Search your heart, who is He to you? Do you know Him? I don’t mean know about Him, but do you KNOW Him?? There are many well meaning people who have spent most of their lives going to church, yet have never formed an intimate relationship with Jesus. It’s sad, but I hear it all the time. They desire it, but just don’t know how. It’s no different than the way you form any other relationship. It takes time and commitment and you must interact with Him. Don’t go to Him with your formal rehearsed prayers or only when you have a need, but come with a sincere heart of love that desires to know Him better. Repent of your sins, share your heart and your cares and let Him know how much you appreciate all that He’s done for you. He loves and inhabits your praise and worship. Don’t forget to read your Bible and allow Him to speak to you through the written Word. There’s so much He desires to say to you and so much He wants to hear from you. Don’t miss out on this incredible privilege that comes from this Christian life. It’s the greatest miracle of all time. Emmanuel, God with us! We get to have an audience with King of kings and the Lord of lords at any time, without a moments notice and we are always welcomed into His presence!! MIND BLOWING!!

So today, consider who He is to you. If He is not your heart's passion and desire, then it’s time to reevaluate your relationship and make the necessary steps to improving it. Actually no matter where you are in your relationship, it’s time to step it up and go deeper than we’ve ever gone before!! I’m jumping in! Are you with me?

Psalm 40:1-3 (TPT) He stooped down to lift me out of danger from the desolate pit I was in, out of the muddy mess I had fallen into. Now he’s lifted me up into a firm, secure place and steadied me while I walk along his ascending path. A new song for a new day rises up in me every time I think about how he breaks through for me! Ecstatic praise pours out of my mouth until everyone hears how God has set me free. Many will see his miracles; they’ll stand in awe of God and fall in love with him!

Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.