Friday, July 27, 2012

Who is Jesus to You?


Luke 9:7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; 8 And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. 9 And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? 19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. 20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

To Herod, Jesus was a nightmare! He had trouble even getting any sleep since his dastardly deed in beheading John the Baptist. Now Jesus comes along. Popular, preacher, revered, Galilean. If John is risen from the dead, he is in deep trouble!

Possibly Jesus is Elijah! Oh no! That prophet was a powerful man prone to sticking his finger in the nose of magistrates and telling it how it is, just like John did. Herod deserved that kind of treatment.

Maybe He is one of the old prophets. More bad news. They all told the truth and Herod's last desire was to be told the emperor has no clothes.

Peter had it right though. When Jesus quizzed the guys as to what everyone was saying about Him, He then asked them what they thought, Peter put it in a nut shell, "You are the Messiah from God!"

Now, the world looks at Jesus and comes up with innocuous answers to the probing question of “who is Jesus to you?” They might answer: Babe in a manger, a man on a cross, historical figure, teacher, a bother, someone they never want to meet, a myth, one who is dead and gone, an expression of religion, a prophet, a religious leader, founder of Christianity, someone in art and literature, some stained-glass figure, a son of God, a mystic, etc.

Would you contemplate for a while, Who is Jesus to you?

Considerations: Lord of my life, Savior, Friend, Faithful, King, Consolation, Deliverer, Refuge, Strength, High Tower, Defense, Lover of My Soul, Captain of my soul, Redeemer, My Peace, Healer, Provider, Grace-giver, Forgiver, Merciful, Shepherd, Lion and Lamb, Sovereign, Master, Solid Rock, Storm Calmer, Wonderful, Counselor, Giver of life, Keeper...

Well the list could go on. Choose out a few of these or some you may have come up with and meditate on Who He is to you. You will be blessed.

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