In the gospel accounts there is a story that goes as follows;
Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
-Mark 8:27-30 (NIV)
Often in sermons we hear our pastors focus in on that question, “Who do you say that I am?” As Christians, we proclaim what Peter answered, identifying Jesus as the Messiah. What if we were to flip the question around just a bit? If it wasn't Jesus asking the question, but instead if we were to ask others “Who do you say that I am?” How might the answers differ?
I imagine some of the responses might include a daughter/son, sister/brother, mother/father, friend, classmate, student, employee, co-worker...but who would God say that we are?
Throughout the Bible, God calls His people many different things. We are referred to as His flock of sheep (Ezekiel 34:31), children of God (Galatians 3:26), and made in His image (Genesis 1:27) just to give a few examples.
How would our lives change if we believed these things wholeheartedly? Would we be more obedient to God? Would we stop being so harsh and judgemental of ourselves? Would we be free to love others better?
I encourage you to ponder these things in your heart, pray over them as you go about your week and look for signs of where God is already at work in you and in your life. May God bless you and keep you in His loving arms! Have a blessed week.
