The most important question

Mark 8:27-29

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

The question that Jesus asks his disciples is the question for all mankind. Since He claimed to be God in the flesh, the visible representation of the invisible God, each person must wrestle with this and decide. If He was just another highly enlightened spiritual guru, or a liar, or at worse a lunatic, then we should ignore Him and look somewhere else for truth. Sure He said a lot of nice things, but there are plenty of others who spouted spiritual sayings and claimed to know what is right. If His death and resurrection prove that what He claimed was true, then we should worship Him, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This event is the singular turning point of history and you and I have to determine in our hearts how we will answer His question. In this discussion with His followers, He wanted to hear them express their thoughts because he cared about how they reached their decisions in life. He wanted their faith to grow out of serious wrestling with the evidence and the implications of truth right there in front of them. And they all demonstrated their commitment to that faith by giving their lives for the spreading of this good news. The world rejected Him and then rejected them and they were killed for what they believed. God is not insensitive to your past and the struggles you have experienced which are such a strong influence over how you process things. He knew that his followers were affected by the thinking of the world. He knows every thought you have had and He wants to hear you express what is in your heart. When you pray, tell Him you are struggling. Admit to Him that you cannot find the strength to do what is right. Be honest with Him about your doubts. Then let His Spirit remind you of who He is. Speak truth to yourself like the Psalmist who tells his own soul how to think and how to feel. "Why be downcast, oh my soul…" Tell your soul to put your trust in the Creator of the universe, the one who put the stars in place and knows them by name, the One who formed you in the womb and has a purpose for your life. Calm your mind and heart by remembering that He knows your name, He knows your thoughts and wants to be the total supplier of all your needs. He proved it by giving His life for you on the cross. The assurance of His promises is the foundation for your faith and your source of hope.