Who Do You Say I Am?

     Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
     Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah,
     the Son of the living God.”  Matthew 16:15,16

In a culture in which today we hear more about shopping and Santa Claus than we do about Jesus, it easy to get caught up and forget who the season is really about.  We may need to stop and hear Jesus ask us, as he asked his dear disciple Peter, “But who do you say that I am?”

Have you done that recently? We may hesitate because of the number of “correct” answers we might find, listing his names and describing his many characteristics.  But notice the question is personal and focused on the present.  Who do YOU, not the Bible, scholars, or respected teachers say that Jesus is, but you.  Who is Jesus to you right now, not in some past encounter, or some promised event.  In this moment.

Why is that important? As your Savior, he died to rescue you, not because he had to, but because he loves you.  Perhaps today you need to remember that he loves you.  Believing Jesus is our Rescuer, gives us assurance that he will continue to rescue us from fear and anxiety.

So, why do you need Jesus today? If you are sick, he is your healer.  If you are struggling against darkness, he is the Light of world who overcame darkness.  He is your defender, teacher and friend, who you can talk through the decisions you need to make today.  Is guilt chasing after you?  Confess your sin to your High Priest Messiah, and receive the forgiveness and cleansing available in his sacrifice on the Cross. (1 Jn.1:9)

Maybe in this season where families come together, you are feeling all alone, with no one who cares.  The Lord knows you intimately.  And Jesus promises to never leave you nor abandon you.  Feeling helpless?  The Lord promises to go with you… into that meeting, or operating room.  He is the One who has all authority in Heaven and on earth.  The God who rules is for you, not against you.  That is who is with you today. 

Isaiah called him, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is passionately committed to you. (Isa.9:6,7) So, tell that liar fear to go, and remember who Jesus promises to be for you today.

Dear friends, may you overflow with gratitude and joy as you remember that the baby in the manger, whose birth you celebrate this week, came in love so that you could overcome all the darkness in your life by his truth and light.  Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ December 23, 2024