We woke up this morning with a cold house once again! Our new furnace less than twenty-four hours old was not working. Fortunately the problem was a lose connection that was easily fixed. That was relief to us and the repairman, who has seen us all too often this week.

After a breakfast out with Debbie, we found out that her car needs just under $4,000 in repairs. So we have another decision to make, on her vehicle. I’m glad to have son in the used car business. So Debbie used my car for her patient calls and I enjoyed a laid back day at home. Fortunately at this time, I’m not in the hospital.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “This, then, is my condition: on my own I can serve God’s law only with my mind, while my human nature serves the law of sin.” Romans 7:25

In our world of reality TV we find many interesting shows. Some of those are survival shows. The one I am thinking of is “Man versus Wild” or something like that. It is interesting to see how someone placed in a remote location uses his skills to confront surviving and living in the wild.

However, we see in Romans that one of the greatest challenges is “man verses himself” or a “woman versus herself.” The battle within can be as daunting as any battle for survival in the natural world. Paul puts forward some lengthy explanations about a dilemma that can be observed in mankind since the beginning of time, especially as the law is given to God’s people and they pledge their obedience, but consistently come up short.

People on their own, in spite of their good intentions and willpower, are not capable of consistently pleasing the Lord. His righteous standard is too high, and human nature is too weak. Paul summarizes it well when he says, “I serve God in my mind, but my actions serve my human nature.” And contrary to what many people want to admit, our human nature is not a godly nature, it is a sinful nature. We can try as hard as we want, but we all eventually “fall off the wagon” and violate God’s standard of perfection. That is called sin.

There is no escape, there is only one remedy, it is a “heart transplant” and a “new beginning or new birth.” As the Apostle Paul ponders this predicament, he asks the question, “Who will rescue me from this body that is taking me to death?” (Romans 7:24) Consider that for a moment. If your only hope of happiness in this life and an eternal destiny that avoids God’s judgment is your ability to “make it on your own” and you realize that you find yourself in an eternal “catch 22” what do you do? Just like the drug addict, we are all addicted to sin. We can’t help ourselves.

So Paul responds to his own question with a burst of hope and good news, “Thanks be to God, who does this through our Lord Jesus Christ! “ (Romans :25) I can’t, He can! I’m not good enough, Jesus was! And when I come to Christ, God does two things. He gives me credit for Christ’s righteousness. Wow, that’s like someone taking the test for you, doing your work, but you get the credit. But in this case, it is okay…it is the only way.

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Romans 3:22)  “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.“
(2 Corinthians 5:21) Peter puts it this way, “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God.” (1 Peter 3:18)

Then Christ places in our hearts the Holy Spirit. A new spirit by which we live in order to serve God, not just from our mind, but our hearts as well. As a result we are not condemned, but set free…not judged, but forgiven!

“Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. Those who live as the Spirit tells them to, have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants.  To be controlled by human nature results in death; to be controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace.” (Romans 8:5,6)

Man against himself is a lost cause. But the spirit of Christ against the human nature always wins. Our call is to surrender our lives to Christ, to invite His nature into our lives and then to live by that nature. That is what Paul says in Galatians 5:16-18 “let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature…If the Spirit leads you, then you are not subject to the Law.” The law bring death, Christ’s Spirit brings life, choose life!

The big event for today was the installation of new furnace. Ours has been acting up for the past few weeks. My weekly visit from the furnace repairman was reminding me of my own weekly therapy. We are thankful for some recent provision that has helped us cover that expense.

I was thankful for a good workout at the fitness center. I think I even experienced a slight endorphin surge later in the afternoon. That “runner’s high” is something that I have not had a glimpse of in a long time. I guess it shows that the exertion that bring that on is relative to your ability and not a set measurement.

This evening Debbie and I are joining Sue and Sam at Red Robin for dinner. That is significant because last year at this time I was two days from returning home from a stay Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. The night before my septic shock episode Debbie and I had dinner at Red Robin. After that, I lost my appetite for what had been one of our favorite places to eat.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  He has brought us by faith into this experience of God’s grace, in which we now live. And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory!  …hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us.” Romans 5:1-5

There many ways to view or describe our relationship and standing before the Lord. Paul writes to the Colossians about their spiritual condition and says, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.“ (Colossians 1:21)

Being alienated from God can bring guilt and shame and despair. If our relationship with God and our confidence before Him was based on our own merit, we would always be on edge and uneasy about God’s presence, blessing and love. That is why the first verse of Romans 5 is so powerful; “…through faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ.” When you read those words it solicits a sigh of relief and a message of hope and good news. Not only that but the “place of grace” is our home. It is not what we experience and then it leaves, but it is that which defines our life and guards our life.

Paul goes on and says, “we boast of the hope we have in sharing God’s glory.” Paul was confronted by those who boasted in their spiritual heritage and accomplishments. He often found himself guarding the hearts of early believers from those who would exalt themselves to gain a following. Paul’s commitment on the other hand was expressed in these words, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14)

Paul also said the focus of his hope was this,  “..according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20 NKJ)

When Paul “boasted” of the hope in sharing God’s glory, he realized that that the “glory of God” was found on the other side of suffering. The resurrection of Christ came after the cross, it came after being “despised and rejected by man.” Paul’s understanding of this is clear, because he says, “We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance brings God’s approval, and his approval creates hope.” (Romans 5:4)

But Paul knew that his hope would not be disappointed because of God’s grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit who is with us, empowers us and reassures us that we are God’s children. I’m not sure if many would understand if  you declared it out loud, but you may try saying to yourself, “I am living in grace, boasting in hope.” Reminding yourself of that each day, as you start your day. It will help give you confidence in your relationship with the Lord and fulfilling His purpose for your life.

Not too much excitement in my day. We did have enough snow to require me to get out and shovel the driveway and sidewalk. After some office work and listening to a webinar, I headed to the fitness center and had a good workout.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and made come true everything that Samuel said. So all the people of Israel, from one end of the country to the other, knew that Samuel was indeed a prophet of the Lord….when Samuel spoke, all Israel listened.” 1 Samuel 3:19-21

The account of Samuel as a prophet and a judge in Israel is a unique one. Samuel’s birth, like Samson, was a result of God promise. Samuel also was dedicated to the Lord from birth. Here is Hannah’s prayer to the Lord…  “If you give me a son, I promise that I will dedicate him to you for his whole life and that he will never have his hair cut.”              (1 Samuel 1:11)

Samuel’s uncut hair was the only thing that he had in common with Samson. Because the character of his life stands in contrast to that of Samson and Eli’s sons. Actually Mary’s song after the angel announced she would have a son, is similar to Hannah’s prayer when Samuel was born. Also the development of Jesus is described in the same way of that of Samuel.

Eli was the Priest with rebellious and wicked sons. This only added to the corruption and spiritual confusion of the day. As Samuel grew up in the Temple as his mother’s gift to the Lord we see his life and development in sharp contrast to Eli’s sons.

“This sin of the sons of Eli was extremely serious in the Lord‘s sight, because they treated the offerings to the Lord with such disrespect….In the meantime the boy Samuel continued to serve the Lord, wearing a sacred linen apron.” (1 Samuel 2:17,18)

“But they [Eli’s sons] would not listen to their father, for the Lord had decided to kill them. The boy Samuel continued to grow and to gain favor both with the Lord and with people.” (1 Samuel 2:25,26)

These verses that draw a contrast between the sons of Eli and Samuel are not be accident. A prophet of the Lord came to Eli and pronounced judgment on his house and it included this word from the Lord, “I will choose a priest who will be faithful to me and do everything I want him to.” (1 Samuel 2:35)

What we observe in these verses is how Samuel was faithful to the Lord in the midst of the rebellion of Eli’s sons. At times we just need to put “blinders on” and not allow our life to be influenced by the culture around us. God was bringing judgment on Eli’s house in His time and in His way. Samuel’s responsibility was to remain focused on the Lord and learning how to be a faithful prophet and priest.

In the next verses of contrast we see that while the clock was ticking on the rebellion of Eli’s sons, Samuel was growing physically and spiritually and gaining favor with the Lord and the people. It appears that even in his youth the life and character of Samuel set him apart. The calling of God on his life was evident and that gained him the respect of God’s people. I believe it is important for us to remember that true respect comes from not just what we do, our position or success, but who we are…our character.

From the scriptures it is apparent that the Lord began to speak through Samuel at several times. For it was more than his words confirming the prophecy against the house of Eli, that gain him the position of spiritual leadership so “when he spoke the people listened.”

I believe the life of Samuel can encourage and challenge us today. When we commit our lives to the Lord and grow in the Lord and cultivate a heart for the Lord and an ear that hears from him, God will give us favor with others. Where ever our circle of influence is, whether in the market place, the home, the neighborhood, the church or government; when the life we live and the words we speak carry the authority of the Lord’s wisdom, people will listen. That will enable God’s people to be an influence and blessing where ever they go.

It looks like we are experiencing our last snow in the weather forecast. After tomorrow the weather is to improve significantly, with temps rising to the 60’s next week. As I traveled downtown to my Tuesday meeting the snow began to fly. Fortunately it let up and was mostly clear throughout the day. That gave me the opportunity to get in a long work out at the fitness center. I have been off my routine for a few days, so it was good to get back into action.

Yesterday was fairly busy for me and I had meeting last night. So my workout time gave way to an afternoon nap. Even with that, I could feel the fatigue in the midst of my meeting. However, certainly nothing like in the past!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“So Boaz took Ruth home as his wife. The Lord blessed her, and she became pregnant and had a son.… The women of the neighborhood named the boy Obed.…Obed became the father of Jesse, who was the father of David.”  (Ruth 4:13-17)  “Boaz (his mother was Rahab), Obed (his mother was Ruth), Jesse, and King David.” (Matthew 1:6)

I recall years ago the hair stylist who had cut my hair for years once asked me, “do you have Indian blood in you?” She said,  “your complexion, some facial features and your lack of facial hair are characteristic of Indian heritage.” I didn’t think a lot about it although men usually don’t like to have the smooth features of their face pointed out.

A few years later when I was campaigning for the State House I ran into a man who was a distant relative. We got to talking and he said, “you know I recall hearing that one of of our great… grandfathers married a Choctaw Indian. The family didn’t talk too much about, because it was viewed as unacceptable.”

Do you have an “interesting heritage” or as it is said “a few skeletons in the family closet?” The Lord’s directions to His people were clear in terms of protecting the family line. We can go back to the day of Jacob and Esau. Esau married a Hitite women from the land of Canaan, whose people were worshipers of idols. The Bible says Esau’s wife created heartache for Rebecka, so she sent Jacob back to her family to find a wife. The men of Israel were instructed to take wives from among the tribes of Israel. This was intended to keep the devotion to the Lord strong and protect the inheritance of the land and possessions the Lord had given to His people.

But we see from the exodus there were “foreigners” who aligned themselves with God’s people and throughout the history of Israel we see that this instruction from the Lord was not always closely followed. We can trace the ancestry of the Children of Israel and find some interesting family members. What makes the genealogy of Jesus through David noteworthy is two women who are mentioned. David’s great-grandmother was Ruth. David’s great-great grandmother was Rahab.

Ruth was a Moabite, Rahab was the prostitute from Jericho that saved spies when they scouted out the city. The Moabites trace their origins to Moab, the son of Lot, born to his daughter through an incestuous relationship. They were more often than not, the enemies and oppressors  of God’s people. The god of the Moabites was Chemosh a pagan god that required child sacrifice.

But the presence of these names in the lineage of King David and Jesus, reveals the redemptive nature of God. It reminds us why Jesus came. To give new life and new identity. So we find Rahab embracing the true and living God, and forsaking her background and the pagan city in which she lived to begin a new life in the community of faith.

We find Ruth clinging to her mother-in-law and saying, “your people will be my people, your God, my God.” And Ruth comes with Naomi to the place of God’s provision and meets and marries the son of a former prostitute and has child that becomes the grandfather of a King. A King of Israel and the human lineage of the King of Kings.

This calls for reflection and should bring encouragement to us today. God is one who redeems and sets people on a new course and in a new direction. God removes that which would be considered a cause for shame, and instead turns people into champions of faith with a future and divine destiny. It is God who makes us worthy, not our past or heritage. That my friend, is good news!

My Monday began earlier than usual with a visit to the Larimer County Republican breakfast meeting. Later, I had lunch with my friend Jim Szakmeister to discuss the upcoming Men’s Retreat, where I will share in a workshop session. Between those events I got my haircut. I congratulate Meagan Lee who has cut my hair the last six months on her graduation from Regency Beauty School in Fort Collins.

I have found it interesting to reflect on one year ago when I was hospitalized with septic shock and spent a little over two weeks in the hospital and back at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. So as I move at a seemingly snails pace forward in my recovery, I am glad that I’m not where I was one year ago. (https://kensummers.org/?p=123)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Soon after the trouble of those days, the sun will grow dark, the moon will no longer shine, the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers in space will be driven from their courses. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky….” Matthew 24:29,30

It is interesting how often you run into a magazine article or a TV program that talks about the dangers of the earth being hit by asteroids, or “what if the sun did not shine?” or some other cosmic tragedy. What is interesting when we read the Bible is that those events are on the horizon. However, they are not just a result of happenstance, or a freak accident, they are part of God’s judgement and redemption of the earth. John in Revelation records the following,

“…a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water…”  Revelation 8:10

The events of the time period the Bible calls the “Tribulation” are not unlike the plagues that came upon Egypt. They will result in death and destruction and many are related to that which people worship above the Lord and are the natural consequence of the Lord removing His restraint from the earth. What will be interesting is if these events, when they happen, will be recognized for what they are and “why they are.”

Jesus said that these events will happen just before the coming of the “Son of Man.” They take place then because when Christ returns, He will establish a new heavens and a new earth. Peter said, “The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare….That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”                          (2 Peter 3:10,12.13)

John talks about this new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21:1,2  “Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”

When will all this happen? We don’t know, and Jesus said, “we won’t know.” But we will see the signs of that day coming. That calls us to watchfulness and focus.

 ^“Watch out, then, because you do not know what day your Lord will come...So then, you also must always be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him.” (Matthew 24:42-44)

“….make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him…since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”   (2 Peter 3:14,17,18)

The Bible does tell us “how to live in a world headed for destruction.” We can live in peace and we can live and grow each day in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. That’s the place of safety and security.

We have had a good Sunday. For us that means a good day at church leading Grief Share, attending the worship service, serving on the prayer team and a quiet lunch at home It also means a good afternoon nap. It is during this time that I take to heart the words of my neurologist that “rest is important to muscle development.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You know that the rulers of the heathen have power over them, and the leaders have complete authority.  This, however, is not the way it shall be among you. If one of you wants to be great, you must be the servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, you must be the slave of the others— like the Son of Man, who did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.” Matthew 20:24-28

As the Disciples followed Jesus, they were being trained about the principles and priorities of the Kingdom of God. I recall the words of Jesus to His disciples, “you have heard it said…..but I say unto you….” Jesus may have been referring to the teachings of the Pharisees or what was just “commonly accepted.” But He would draw the contrast to the present world order and the order of God’s Kingdom.

The verses above fall into this teaching contrast of Jesus. The mother of James and John had just asked Jesus for positions of honor for her sons in the Lord’s Kingdom. The others disciples were angry and the tension was high. (Nothing like the fear of getting “beat to the punch” to create conflict.) Jesus used this as an opportunity to draw a contrast between human power and authority and spiritual power and authority.

We can see in Jesus’ day how rulers secular and religious were certainly among the “high and mighty.” Ruthlessness and the arbitrary use of power and the constant reminding everyone of who “they were and others weren’t” was the common approach. On this occasion, Jesus used the “you know how it is…but it is not the way it is to be with you” teaching approach.

The contrast was, the person who is the greatest, is the one who is greatest at serving. Jesus used Himself as an example. He was God in the flesh, but He was one who served others. We would eventually see this demonstrated in the Upper Room, before His arrest and crucifixion, when Jesus washed the disciples feet and assumed the position of a household servant.

Jesus was not only communicating a “kingdom principle” but was sharing how a kingdom principle can lead to effective “earthly” leadership and success. Even today you can find books on “Servant Leadership.” You will find leadership books that communicate the importance of “the team” and the importance of everyone in an organization feeling they have contributed to the successes achieved and just not the leadership.

I recall a friend who was the Fire Chief of one of the largest fire districts in the Denver area. He was a seasoned fire fighter from Brooklyn with the, personalty, accent and demeanor that matched his background. Yet he adopted a mission statement that was even displayed on the fire engines and other department vehicles, “What it Takes to Serve.” One on occasion he told me that when he arrived at the scene of a major fire, it wasn’t “the chief is here and he is know in control.” Instead he would approach his Captains and ask, “how can help? Do I need to take care of the Press? Do you need more equipment, what do you need me to do?” He explained that he had all the experience he needed in fighting fires, he was there to serve and advise, so those under him had the experience that they needed to be the successful in facing any situation they would find themselves in.

We see Jesus’ “inverted world” when he would say, “the first shall last and last shall be first.” We see it when He would place a child in the middle and say, “unless you become like a child you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” We see it when Jesus said, “…the things that are considered of great value by people are worth nothing in God’s sight.” (Luke 16:15)

The bottom line is this, “it is not just God’s work, done God’s way that is important. It is all of our work, all of our lives, lived by God’s ways that gives success in this life as well.” Christ is our model and we are to follow Him  and His ways in all aspects of our life.

We are enjoying a nice break in the winter weather. Although we are to have some periodic snow for most of the next week and then be in the 60’s! Baseball season is only a month away. By the time we finish we “March Madness” we will be ready for the “boys of summer.”

After a restful and laid back morning, I made it to the fitness center for a workout. I was surprised that my exercise bike workout went better than usual. Even though my running days are behind, I still correlate workouts to the “personal best” (PB) standard.  I couldn’t figure out if I’m getting stronger, or if the bike I was on was not working properly. So, I will claim the former and be positive about gaining strength and my overall improvement.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. ‘You worthless slave!’… ‘I forgave you the whole amount you owed me, just because you asked me to.  You should have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you.’  The king was very angry, and he sent the servant to jail to be punished until he should pay back the whole amount.” And Jesus concluded, “That is how my Father in heaven will treat every one of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”       Matthew 18:32-25
Matthew West sings a song, entitled, “Forgiveness”…

It’s the hardest thing to give away

And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don’t deserve;

It’s the opposite of how you feel
When the pain they caused is just too real
It takes everything you have just to say the word…

Forgiveness
Forgiveness

It flies in the face of all your pride
It moves away the mad inside
It’s always anger’s own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge
Say you gotta right to hold a grudge
It’s the whisper in your ear saying ‘Set It Free’

Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Forgiveness, Forgiveness

Peter’s question to Jesus, “How often should I forgive a brother who sins against me?” reveals that forgiveness has been the struggle of the human condition for time on end. In answering Peter’s question Jesus tells a parable of a man who owed the King “a million dollars” (GNT) As the King was getting ready to sell the man into slavery, he came and begged for “patience.” The King had pity on the man and forgave him the debt and set him free.

When the forgiven man left the King he found a fellow servant who owed him, “a few dollars.” The fellow servant fell down and begged, “Be patient and I will repay you.” The forgiven servant had his fellow servant cast into the debtor’s prison. When the King heard of the injustice of the forgiven servant, he punished that servant. Not because of his debt, but because of his actions…his lack of mercy and failure to show forgiveness.

Some things that I observe in this story…

1 – God’s mercy goes beyond what we ask.  The servant who owed a million dollars came to the King and asked for “more time.” Are you joking? More time, with that amount? But the King did not set up a repayment plan; he had mercy and forgave the man the debt. How often we fail to understand the magnitude of the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness. Sometime we come to God with an attitude of, “forgive me and I’ll do better next time.” That usually doesn’t happen and the Lord forgives us…again. We believe we can earn forgiveness. We can’t its a gift.

2 – Our understanding of forgiveness, impacts our ability to forgive. When the forgiven servant finds his fellow servant who owed him so little in comparison to the get debt he had just been forgiven of, he fails to show the kind of mercy and compassion he had just experienced. Why is that? I recall someone once pointed out, that in his mind the King gave him what he requested….more time. So he is thinking I need a million dollars and I’m going to find it ten dollars at a time. Our ability to forgive is directly related to understanding the forgiveness we have received.

3 – Forgiveness is a matter of the heart –  Our minds call for justice. But forgiveness must come from the heart. The hurts that call for forgiveness can be deep…and it can take time. But a failure to forgive breeds resentment and bitterness and places us in a position that belongs alone to God. God is the righteous and ultimate judge. Matthew West’s song about forgiveness says it well…

It’ll clear the bitterness away
It can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what it’s power can do
So, let it go and be amazed
By what you see through eyes of grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you

4 – Forgiveness requires God’s help – The kind of forgiveness we are called to is not possible in our own efforts. It requires the Lord’s help and a willingness to obey and take action. It is an act of faith. It is surrender. Remember, “Surrender is giving up what I want to hold on to.” We speak of the “golden rule” as “do unto others, as you would have them do to you.” While that applies to forgiveness, what Jesus is calling us to is, “do unto others, as I have done for you.” The closing words of Matthew’s West song contain this prayer. It is a good place to start and a reminder that we need the Lord’s help…

 So show me how to see what Your mercy sees
Help me now to give what You gave to me
Forgiveness, Forgiveness….

As I brought my week to an end, I made a trip to Lakewood to take care of some business. In the process I had the opportunity to take Christian and Bridget and the grandkids to lunch. The trip to Lakewood went well with me arriving in a “normal” time. Coming home was different and with traffic and accidents, it ended up being more a two hour drive.

Keep Bridget and her family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of her grandfather, Donald Land. I had the opportunity to meet Don just a few times, but remember him following my illness and recovery and being a great source of encouragement. His memorial service will be next week in Chicago.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “What about you?” he asked them. “Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:15

Jesus was not only a great teacher, teller of parables and miracle worker; He was also good at asking questions. The art of asking questions is one that is not mastered by many. Jesus asked questions of the Scribes and Pharisees when they tried to trick Him. He asked rhetorical questions and questions that perplex and made people think.

On this occasion Jesus, after His popularity had risen, turns to His disciples and asks them two questions. The first one was, “who do people say that I am?” They responded without the benefit of a Gallup Poll, but just in their own interaction among the crowds. They respond with “some say” John the Baptist. That would be Herod who struggled with so much guilt over the beheading of John, that he believed Jesus was John risen from the dead. (It is interesting that Herod thought Jesus was John risen from the dead, but he would struggle accepting that Jesus, Himself had risen from the dead.)

People readily recognized Jesus as a teacher and prophet. So many believed He was  Elijah or Jeremiah or “one of the prophets.” The bottom line was, the public was divided about Jesus.

Then Jesus moves to the personal level. “What about you? Who do you say that I am?” People are often quick to share the opinion of others, but get uncomfortable when the question becomes personal and requires a definitive response, and they are forced to take a position. I can relate to that from the political world. People would look at issues and want to know “as a candidate what do you believe? What is your position is on this issue.”

Peter speaks up for the disciples and declares, “you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus response is interesting to me when He says, “For this truth did not come to you from any human being, but it was given to you directly by my Father in heaven.” The authority of Jesus. His words, His miracles would seem to lead to the conclusion that He was indeed the Christ. However, Jesus said that to truly understand and believe who He was required divine insight.

Perhaps that still holds true today. With even more “proof” of Jesus being the Messiah, the Christ; there are those who still facilitate on who Jesus is. For many today the opinions about Jesus are the same as when Jesus asked that question to the disciples. But it requires a definitive response; one that requires more than an answer. For one must then ask themselves, “what does that mean for me?”

That question of Jesus to His disciples is one that every person must come to grip with today. It is what requires a position, with no “waffling.” The answer to that question demands a response. And for that reason many will deny what they know to be true. But when an individual “confesses with their mouth and believes in their heart” (Romans 10:9) that Jesus is the Christ, it opens up a new relationship and a new revelation. And to get that question “wrong” can have more consequences than just missing a “few points on a quiz.” And that is something to take to heart and consider and make a decision based on your answer.