Can we even think of something greater, something having more importance, than when Jesus performed all the miracles He did while on earth? I mean, healing lepers, multiplying fish, walking on water and setting people free from unclean spirits? Those were breath taking moments and fully displayed the authority of Jesus over disease, nature and even demons. Yet in Day 1 called “Identity,” the authors point us to something that is even more miraculous. When talking about how Jesus asked His disciples who they said He is, Peter quickly said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Mt 16:16) The authors rightly say this is way more significant because, “It wasn’t Jesus demonstrating His authority to the masses. It was the Father revealing His Son’s identity to the individual.” (p12) This kind of personal epiphany shows the intimate relationship God desires to have with each of His children. God wants each of us to know Him individually and directly. That the God of all the Creation wants to know me that way? That, my Friends, is the greatest miracle of all!
The authors continue, “Jesus hadn’t yet explicitly taught them the fullness of His identity. Hence, Peter’s answer was not a foregone conclusion. Nor was it a go-big-or-go-home guess. It was a supernatural revelation imparted by the Maker of the universe – a miracle so personal and powerful that nothing in Peter’s life would ever be the same.” (p12) As it should be with each of us! When we truly discover who Jesus is, it should completely change our lives for the better.
Knowing how deep is the Love of the Father, how great is the sacrifice of the Son and how glorious it is to be able to have the Holy Spirit living within our own? It is the most amazing and humbling game changer that anyone could ever have expected. This truth should help us be rid of fear. This truth should provide us with sustaining peace. This truth should lead us to a life filled to the overflow with a joy that is unshakable. My Friends, deeply knowing, I mean really knowing, the identity of Jesus, that He is the Son of God, is by far the greatest miracle known to man, because it is the only fact that opens up Heaven for us sinful, lost and broken humans. And it teaches us all about Love and who God wants us to be. This should transform us from that old person into God’s beloved, holy, and righteous child, now and forevermore! More tomorrow…
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
<>< Peace, Diane
