Today’s Reading, Matthew 14-16
Focal Scripture: Matthew 16:15 “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”
We all must make a declaration of truth concerning the Lord. This declaration will either affirm that Jesus is the Christ or it will deny that truth. There are only two groups of people in the eyes of the Lord. Those who are Bible believing Christ followers and those who reject his divinity and Lordship. No matter what we decide we are declaring who we believe Jesus is right now.
In today’s reading he asked his disciples what others believed about him in that moment. At first, some of the disciples said that Jesus was Elijah, Jeremiah or even John the Baptist. Then Jesus got very personal with his disciples. He asked them what they believed. Jesus wanted them to wrestle with a truth claim that determines everything, including their futures.
This is a question we all must ask ourselves to make sure our beliefs align with truth. The only correct answer we can have on this topic is this claim: Jesus is the Christ, God in flesh. He is the savior of the world and the hope for all mankind. If we make Jesus any less, then we miss the mark. We all come to a conclusion on who Christ is in our lives.
Why is this so important? Because it drives everything we do in this life. If he is not the Christ we can live how we choose. If he is not the Christ preaching is pointless. If he is not the Christ eternity has no meaning. However, since he is the Christ he transforms our hearts. Because he is the Christ we point people to him in our preaching. Since he is the Christ we will spend all eternity with him if you are believer.
It is time for you to make a decision for the Lord, right now. Declare him as the Christ or you declare him as your enemy. Decide today where you stand.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Matthew 17-19
