“But what about you, He asked. Who do you say I am?” – Jesus speaking to His disciples in Matthew 16:15 NIV

While traveling in the region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked His disciples what people thought about Him.  They told Him that many thought He was a resurrected John the Baptist.  Others thought He might be one of the prophets like Elijah or Jeremiah – returning once again to lead the people.

Then Jesus got personal. He flat out asked them…. “Who do YOU say I am?”

One thing I love about the Lord is His desire to get personal – longing for a relationship with each of us individually.  Whether we realize it or not, He is asking this same question today – desiring to know how we feel about Him, how we see Him, and where He stands in each of our lives.

You may think you’re not being asked this question at all.  But you are my friend, by the way you respond to the events in your life, how you interact with others, and by what you view as important and a priority.  In every detail of life, you are answering this question.  Even by refusing to answer the question, you answer it in your apathy and your silence.

The question, “Who do you say I am?” has tremendous implications on the quality of your life, your view of circumstances that arise, the view you hold of yourself, and the peace you embrace along your journey here.

Here are some things to consider….

Do you see God as a distant, heavenly observer of what happens here on earth – uninterested or unable to intervene in the decisions of man, or do you believe He is a Sovereign God – in control of every detail of life?

Do you see Him as angry and judgmental – waiting for you to make a mistake He can punish, or do you see Him as a loving, merciful God – forgiving and forgetting your mistakes in the past, present and even in the future?

Do you believe He abandons you when you fail, or do you believe He is always with you – no matter what the situation or circumstance you face?

Do you see Him as unconcerned with the injustices of this world, or do you see Him as a God who ensures justice is given to the oppressed and afflicted?

Do you believe your ability to prosper, to remain in good health or to make the correct decisions about what direction to take in life are solely up to you, or do you believe God is the source of all the provision, healing, and guidance you ever need?

Do you believe Christ is the source of your righteousness and faithfulness, or do you believe you must be faithful and righteous all on your own – winning God’s favor through your own actions and behaviors?

Do you see Him as the source of unending grace or unwavering condemnation?

Does He hear and answer all prayers or only respond to a select few from those who are worthy enough to get an answer?

Is He actively involved in each detail of your life or is He distant and uncaring of anything too small and insignificant?

Does He love unconditionally or love only those who love Him first?

So my friend, who do you say He is? How are you answering that question every day?

Often we think we have the right answers about God.  We believe something we are told incorrectly or develop a false paradigm surrounding a personal experience we had.  It’s like trying to get to know a person but only basing our opinions on what others have to say about them or on one small encounter we had with them in the past.

If you’re having trouble or find yourself unsure of the answer, start getting more personal with God 🙂 Spend more time reading His Word – learning more about His character and values. Spend more quiet time listening for Him in your heart. Pray more often – sharing your worries and concerns with Him – actively watching for how He answers those prayers.

The more time you spend developing a relationship with God, the easier it will be to know who He truly is. When you know with confidence who God really is, life takes on a whole new meaning! Pressures ease, peace is abundant, and His grace is seen in places you never realized 🙂

My prayer for you is that you can answer the question without hesitation – living your life in a way that embraces who He is and what He is really all about 🙂

God bless!