DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONAL: MAY 31
WHO DO YOU SAY JESUS IS? (1) SCRIPTURE: MATT. 16: 13 – 20
Among all names of important personalities in this present world, the most called name is Jesus. At least, about 2.3 billion Christians in the world call the name “Jesus” at least five times every day. Others who are not Christians call the name too often, either in discussion or for other reasons. The funny side of it all is that some of the people calling the name of Jesus do not know exactly who He is. One day, along the ways to Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked His Apostles of who do they hear the people of the world say He is. Answers to this question showed the people of the world do not really know who Jesus is. Jesus redirected the question to His Apostles saying “But what about you. Who do you say I am?” (Matt. 16: 15 NKJV). This question took all who were with Him aback as all could not say who Jesus is except Apostle Peter. Peter’s answer came after a long period of silence everywhere. Apostle Peter answered Jesus “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16: 16).
Jesus did not ask the question for fun. He knew that people knew Him as Son of Man. He was known perhaps as a great prophet, or great magic man, or a well learned person in philosophy or psychology. Reason His question was “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” Till today, greeter numbers of people, even among the Christians, do not exactly know who Jesus is. He is known as a fictitious name by some. Many Christians call the name without attaching honour and respect to His name. Knowing Jesus exactly as the person He is really, is key to all round breakthroughs in life. Any man or woman who knows Jesus’ name as exactly as He is to be known will be rewarded greatly and in multiplicity. When you know Jesus’ real name and believe in that name, He bestows upon you greater honour and blessing above all other human beings. We call Him thousands of thousands of names, but there is this peculiar name given Him by the Almighty God “Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God”.
Peter’s confession of Jesus’ name changed Peter’s status and destiny. Jesus knew Peter did not get the name from ordinary human being. Jesus told Peter that “Blessed are you, Simon of Jonas, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven” (Matt.16: 17 NKJV). This revelation made Jesus appointed Peter to head His Church He would establish (Matt. 16: 18). Jesus’ reply here shown that our divine blessings, breakthroughs, appointments, establishments, multiplications, longevity etc., depend on knowing and trusting Jesus Christ as the Son of the living God. Know Jesus not as a man. Know Jesus not as a second in command to your General Overseer. But know Jesus as God’ sent Son, your King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Know Him as the Master of the universe sent to deliver the people of the world. You will see positive changes in your life if you do! The questions today are (a) Who really do you know Jesus is in your heart? (b) What Divine importance have you attached to the name Jesus? (c) How do you react on hearing the name “JESUS?”
PRAYERS:
1. Gracious Father, grant me grace to know who Jesus is. Holy Spirit, teach me the real knowledge about Jesus. Lord Jesus, reveal yourself to me today. AMEN.
2. Pray too that the Christian General Overseers, church leaders and church workers begin to
know Jesus exactly by who He is.
POSITIVE DECLARATION:
I know His name; I know His name. His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God! Hallelujah!
bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch.