“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’”

Matthew 16:13-16

In the previous chapter, we see Jesus heal the Canaanite women, heal many people in verses 29-31, then ending with the feeding of the four thousand. In the next chapter, we see Jesus ask His disciples a couple of questions: Who do people say that I am and who do YOU say that I am?

Simon Peter has the revelation that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. The important question to ask ourselves is, “Why did the Father give Peter that revelation?” Because all of the disciples should have been able to respond in the same manner, but only Peter does. The answer is simple. Peter valued what Jesus said MORE than what people said.

You see, Jesus was asking them, “Who do people say that I am.” The revelation given to Peter by the Father was tied to who he was listening to. If he had allowed what people were saying to take root in his heart, he would not have received the revelation of who Jesus was.

I believe today, we are being asked this very same question. Who do YOU say that I Am? Are we going to allow the voices of people, circumstances or bad reports to negate who HE is? Who do we say He is when we are dealing with a bad health report? Who do we say He is when we are laid off from our job?

He is who He always has been…the Christ, the Son of the Living God! He is your Healer, your Deliverer, Your Salvation! You see, when we keep our eyes on Him, when we don’t allow anything to move us from this revelation, we can rest in His Peace knowing that our God is in control. That His Favor is with me; His Power is within me; and I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
As a business owner, I recently experienced some challenges due to Covid-19 that “tested” my faith in who He is. I remember talking with Pastor Art and he encouraged me to step up my faith to another level. And you know what, I did just that. I rested in who He is…Jehovah Jireh, my Provider!

That same day, someone sowed $1,000 into our life. Over the course of a couple of weeks, I had 3 new clients! The amazing part is that NONE of them came through my marketing efforts. All were referrals from other people. I refused to listen to the bad financial reports. I refused to limit God. I gave Him free reign and surrendered my control over to Him. He never fails! (Orlando Sagarnaga, Word of Life Arizona)

TODAY’S DECLARATION
“I serve a good God who is with me, for me and will NEVER leave me! I choose to activate my faith in every area of my life. I choose to allow the revelation of who He is over my life. He is the Christ Jesus, the Son of the Living God!”

TODAY’S BIBLE READING

• • Old Testament: Jeremiah 50; Song of Songs 4:1-7
  • New Testament: John 6:16-24; 1 Peter 3:1-7