One of the cool things about the Israelite people was their names for God. They saw Jehovah (their name for God) as something much bigger and more powerful than you and I do today. Their God could tackle any situation--handle any enemy--and come out on top (after all, their ancestors had seen Him do it first hand all the way through the Wilderness.) So, rather than just being Jehovah, they were more specific in their beliefs and their understanding of how God would take care of them. He was Jehovah-Jireh (the Lord will Provide), Jehovah-Nisi (the Lord is my banner), Jehovah-Mekaddesh (the Lord Sanctifies) and Jehovah-Shalom (the Lord is Peace) just to name a few. These names were a reflection of the new covenant between the people of Israel and God. It gave meaning to the new revelations of His character and His love for the people.
Flash forward thousands of years (if you are following along in your Bible you jump from the OT to Mark 8). Jesus is talking with His disciples as He walks along the road. The conversation turns to what the people are saying about Him. "Elijah." "John the Baptist." "One of the other prophets from our ancestry." One-by-one the answers are shared with Jesus. Then Jesus invites His disciples one step closer to Him with this question. "What about you? Who do you say that I am?"
Good question. Who do you believe Jesus to be...really? The Sunday School answer is always good but what does your life say about who Jesus really is? Is He your provider, your peace, your salvation? Or would you have to come up with another, less-flattering answer...Jehovah-safety net, Jehovah-genie in a lamp, or maybe Jehovah-last resort. You and I should examine ourselves carefully to see whether or not our actions match up with our professions about Christ. He knows your heart. But do you?
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