It is personal

"But who do you say that I am?"

Matt 16:15 (NASB95)

In Matthew 16.13-20 we find Jesus having a conversation with His followers.  He begins by asking who do others say that I am?  Then follows up with, "who do you say that I am?"  And then to top it all off, after they answer, "You are the Messiah!", He tells them to keep it quiet.  Is that odd to you.  What does Jesus have up His sleeve.  Why does He ask this important question and then tell them to be quiet?
Well we know Jesus' time to be revealed to everyone had not yet come.  But I think there is some deeper things to consider.  The disciples needed to have a moment of commitment.  A time where they could declare to Jesus and before one another, "this is what I believe!"  It is one thing for us to make declarations as a group but it has to be a moment of personal commitment.
So who is Jesus?  Have you made that all important personal declaration, "Jesus is my Lord and Master?"
Give it some thought.  It needs to be personal.  Then declare it to the world!

An Appreciation for Lord Jesus

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!” 9 For he and all those with him were amazed at the catch of fish they took, 10 and so were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s partners.

Luke 5:8-10 (HCSB)

Do you appreciate Jesus? Most of us would say of course, absolutely! But which Jesus do you appreciate? Is it Savior Jesus, Miracle Worker Jesus or is it Lord Jesus?

Some appreciate Savior Jesus. We appreciate our salvation. That grace filled gift of eternal life. It certainly is a good gift.

Some appreciate the Miracle Working Jesus. There are many in Churches today that only communicate, pay attention too or appreciate Jesus until they need something. Just whip me up a miracle today Jesus! I suppose Peter, James and John could be seen in this light.

But if we look a little closer we see an important truth. Their appreciation was for LORD Jesus. Peter says get away Lord because I am sinful. Peter recognized Jesus for something more than savior or miracle worker but Lord, Master.

There is nothing wrong with looking to Jesus for salvation, if fact you better! There is nothing wrong with recognizing that Jesus is a miracle worker and there are times that only He can meet the needs and problems of our lives. But He needs to be Lord and Master. A Christ follower will appreciate Jesus as Lord and will obey and be amazed at what He can do!