Today’s Devotion
Topic: Who Do People Say I Am?
Text: Mark 8: 27- 30
27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am? 28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” 30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
Christ our saviour asked his disciples; “who do people say I am? and who do you also say I am?”. Not purposely to show off but to know if people around him including his own appointed disciples recognise and appreciate His divine “person” and assignment.
Sometimes we have to evaluate ourselves by asking questions to know what the perception is about our lives. Some reflections to know whether those close or afar see in us the seed of a true believer bearing the fruit of the spirit (Gal 5: 22- 26) or otherwise.
You see, no matter how hard we deny this fact, the truth is people in society look up to us (Christians) for exemplary moral behaviour. We are held in such position of honor and dignity because of the EXCELLENT GOD WHO LIVES, SPEAKS AND LOVES THROUGH US! We are regarded as leaders who must live a blameless life that others to follow (Titus 1:6-16).
Therefore, a quick self assessment aided by discussions with some godly associates enable us get a much better impression of our lives; both as Christians and individuals.
Three important questions may arise from the above discussions then:
i. Are we to live our lives anyhow we so please or we are to live lives that please society?
Answer: None of the above. We are called to live lives that please the Lord (ie in conduct, speech and thought).
ii. If we are to live lives that please the Lord, then why must we evaluate our lives occasionally by asking friends and loved ones what their perception is about how we live?
Answer: It is because we are to let our light so shine BEFORE MEN, that THEY MAY SEE our GOOD WORKS and glorify our father in heaven (Mat 5: 16). The life of a believer is an open book, even what is practice in secret is made bare sooner or later. If we are living the “JESUS” we profess, the people around us will know.
iii. What if the perception of all the people around about our walk with Jesus is wrong?
Answer: We are surrounded by crowd of witnesses critically observing our lives with several differing analytical tools. The most objective analysis of our lives however is that which the HOLY SPIRIT GIVES. It is He that bears witness with our spirits that we are the sons of God. JESUS SAYS HE WILL LEAD US INTO ALL TRUTH. His testimony of us is true.
Brethren, let us assess our walk with the Lord and yearn to be more like Him. Apostle Paul puts it best when he says “brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.” (1 Thes 4: 1). See you at church.
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