Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Who do you say He is?

                            "He said to them,“But who do you say that I am?” Jesus Matthew 16:15

  Who does the World say He is? Who does the Church say He is? What about tradition? Who do you say He is?  Many voices are in the wind! Many opinions exist about who Jesus is. What any person who sincerely seeks for truth  must do is wade through all the opinions and find the most reliable and accurate source for truth!

  First who does the World actually say Jesus is? Some have said He was just a religious teacher. Some have said He was a revolutionary. Some historians believe He was just a good man. The World does not say He was God manifested in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). They do not say He came to take away the sin of the World. They do not say He is good!

 Secondly, who does the Church say Jesus is? The Church believes He is the Divine Son of God who came and died for our sin.They do say He was God manifest in the flesh. The Church does call Him savior and Lord. Many in the Church though have shuddered at calling Him Father instead of just God. The majority of the Church struggles with calling Him healer or the baptizer in the Holy Ghost.

 The Church as whole believe the basic New Testament theological truth of who Jesus is. Where some have fallen is developing a relationship with Jesus apart from rules, self efforts, and performance. Too many shrink back when they fall or miss it instead of simply running to Him. We have many well intentioned leaders paint a picture of God who is to busy to be involved in the personal affairs of His people. That He is always displeased or always angry at the failings and mistakes of His children. When many leaders mention repentance they only major on ensuring folk feel bad or guilt ridden over their failings for an extended time before assurance of their forgiveness is granted.
 Thirdly who does religious tradition say Jesus is? Tradition ruled people say Jesus is the One responsible for the calamities and devastation that is in the World. That due to God's wrath and unfaithful humanity, He is sending destruction and "judgement" to the World. That Jesus is the One bringing the tumor or cancer. That He is the One "allowing" it because He is trying to train you or better you. They say things like,
     "God had to put you flat on your back so you can look up!"
Tradition says Jesus only healed people to show us He was the Divine Son, the Messiah. Tradition excludes the mercy and kindness and compassion of our Lord and Savior in His work of healing when He walked the Earth.

  Finally who do you say He is? To help you how about relying on the ultimate source of truth to see who Jesus really is. Jesus said  Himself in John 17 that the Word is truth. So lets see what the Word says who Jesus is.

Jesus is seeking to find those who are apart from Him. He is the One desiring to bring wholeness to them.

Jesus is the One bringing restoration and wholeness. He is not bringing condemnation or ministering hopelessness to the lost. His unconditional love and grace working within makes sin and rebellion unappealing. His love makes yielding to His love leadings more appealing.

Jesus is the Lamb of God. He was the One who took our place. He became something He never was (sin) so we could become something we've never been (in right standing with God).

Jesus is the Baptizer in the Spirit. He is the One who baptizes us with the Spirit making us a powerful witness for Him. Through Him we walk in power and authority, not fear or timidity!

Jesus is He who brings deliverance and wholeness. His grace brings lasting freedom from all fear, timidity, condemnation, guilt, and addictions.

Jesus, (who died and rose to place us in right standing with the Father), bore all our illness, disease and sickness. Jesus is the healer! He is the One removing disease and distress NEVER the One bringing the afflictions!

Revelation 19:16
Jesus is the soon return King! He is coming for His people! He is so good! This is just a small glimpse of who Jesus is!Blessings!

No comments: