Devotion of the Day

(Mark 8:27-30)

Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I am? So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets,” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Additional Verses

📖 Genesis 1:1-31; Mark 8:27-30; John 1:1-51

Did you know that it takes a man of vision to recognize another man of vision? The Pharisees, Scribes, Sadducees and many people in Israel did not recognize who Jesus Christ was despite the many miracles and mighty works He performed before their eyes. Even His disciples also did not really know who He was. Judas Iscariot went on to betray Him even though He had participated in the different missions he had been assigned together with the other disciples. His brothers and sisters did not believe in Him. (Mark 3:31-34). Many people today attend Church as a religious commitment while Jesus Christ does not at all mean anything to them. This is why many are busy scoffing at the servants of the LORD when they are preaching the Gospel or delivering and healing the oppressed and the sick. The Pharisees and Scribes did the same just because Jesus Christ did not mean anything at all to them. They searched the Scriptures and taught in Synagogues every Sabbath, but they rejected the Son of God in whom the Law and the Prophets pointed to. (Isaiah 35:5-6), “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing; for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.” Today, many claim to know the Scriptures so much and go on to preach and teach in Church gatherings, but the same Word which they preach cannot work for them at all. This is because Jesus Christ does not mean anything to them. In John 14:23, Jesus Christ says, “If anyone loves Me he will keep My Word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” When you believe in Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior of your life, you become one with Him. His Word becomes an integral part of your life. You will not identify Him as John the Baptist or Elijah or one of the prophets. You will recognize Him as the Way, the Truth and the Life. The Holy Spirit of God will give you the right and perfect knowledge of who Jesus Christ really is. Jesus Christ is the absolute reality and He is the very source of all creation.(John 1:3) He is not some religious leader, but He is the essence of life. When you receive Him, you receive the very life of God. Christianity is not about religion, but it is about relationships. Once Christ takes over your life, you have a relationship with God and your neighbor. The Word of God establishes your relationship with Jesus Christ and He brings meaning into your life. Alleluia!

Prayer

Thank You LORD Jesus Christ for being my LORD and Savior. Establish my relationship with You more and more so that You may continue to bring meaning into my life. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray. Amen.