Who Do They Say You Are?

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.  Matthew 16: 13-17.

One day Jesus thought; ‘hey guys, who do your community people say that I am?’ And the disciples one after the other, I believe, started mentioning names; Elias, John the Baptist, Jeremias or one of the prophet. Sigh. Then Jesus asked: "who do you say I am?" And Mr Peter answered. He certainly was in the spirit when he did. It was not head knowledge, it was revealed unto him!

But why did the 'men’ who saw Jesus as a prophet think that?  Was there some particular way prophets dressed that Jesus followed? Was there a particular look they wore? Was their diet different? Was it a function of their complexion or height? I'm just wondering. 

Also, why didn't they say Jesus was maybe a warrior say Samson or? Simple, they didn't need any revelation to tell what they had seen and the testimonies they had heard of a man who said something and it was so. And no, they didn't have to be a disciple to see his works; the work was his work with the disciples and the blind, the lame, those possessed of demons, in the synagogue, on the boat, everywhere he went. It was there for all to see.

Now the Bible had commanded in Matthew 5 verse 16; "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." However, ‘men’ do not go about with the eyes of the spirit, tuned constantly to the frequency of deep transmission to discern who is good and who is not, they simply read actions and reactions.

So, based on the works of your hand, who do they say you are? Or do we all need the spirit of discernment to tell that you're a follower of Christ? I am not talking about who they say you are in church, we usually put up our best behavior in there or at least endeavour to.

At your place of work, what would they say about your human relation and professional ethics? Would they say you're a professional or a mediocre? Do they need to surf your certificate archive to see how resourceful you are on papers? Or is it out for the blind to see that you're on top of your game? Would they call you a Christian because of your Christ-like character or because you drag your belt to the navel? Would they say you're a Christian because they hear 'fire’ from your office every morning or because your words are graceful? Do you have to always tell them you're a Christian because your dresses preach otherwise? Who do they say you are?

You probably like to tell yourself that you're a good person but what do your workers have to say about you? Remember the testimony of two or more persons are what it takes to confirm every word. What about the neighbours? Who do they say that you are, the ‘touch not’ or the good Samaritan?

Bible admonishes us  in Philipians 4:5  to let  our moderation (unselfishness, tolerance) be known unto all men. All men, the Bible says, not some men, not church men, not close friends but all men! We are lights to shine. We are to shine so brightly till people come to the brightness of our shinning and this shining should give glory to the Father in heaven?  How much glory of God has your shinning shown? Just think on it.

If you have not made Jesus Christ your Lord and saviour, then this life we speak of beyond you and eternity is bleak. We urge you, don’t wait another moment. Make up your mind and say this prayer:

“Dear God, I ask you to forgive me all my sins and make me anew. I believe that Jesus died for me and you raised him up on the third day, I confess that He is Lord now and forever. I accept your son, Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.”

Congratulations! Now that you are born again, look for a Bible believing church to attend that you might know what he has provided for you. 

OUTREACH TO ORPHANAGE – 18^th NOV, 2017

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.  And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.  Isa 58:6-12.

In line with the vision of Lothshine and in obedience to Gods word, we will be visiting the Solid Rock Orphanage, in Ile-Ife on the 18^th 0f November, 2017. We will spend some time with them and extend our hands of love towards them.

If you are led to participate, pls contact us via lothshine@gmail.com for more details.

You are blessed.