19 November 2023

ACKNOWLEDGING CHRIST AS LORD AND GOD

(Growing in Faith, in Truth & in Spirit: GFTS 21)

The Prophet Elijah challenged the Israelites on Mount Carmel: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). The people had to make a choice – the right choice. The LORD (Yahweh) is the True and Living God, the God of Creation. Baal is the false god who deceives people and lead them astray and ultimately into eternal destruction. The LORD showed up on Mount Carmel and consumed the sacrifice with fire from Heaven, and proved Himself as the Living God. As a result, the people decided to follow Yahweh and turned away from their sins and the worship of the false god. They made the right decision and chose The LORD as their God.

At Caesarea Philippi, the Lord Jesus asked the disciples what people said about Him after He sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sick and cast out demons in His Name. They answered, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah, and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets”. Then Jesus asked, “What about you? Who do you say I am?” (Matt.16:13-15). That was a pertinent question directed at their hearts. Who is Jesus and what is He to them? The answer and decision they made about Him would reveal what kind of followers they would be. That is the same question Christ would ask everyone who professes to be a Christian: “What about you? Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered on behalf of all the disciples: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (v.16). The doubting Thomas, after meeting the Risen Christ acknowledged, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:28-29).

Because of His great love for all sinners, God sent His Son Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Christ died for our sins and rose again for our justification. “Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the Name that is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth; and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of the Father” (Phil.2:9-11).

The Bible says that “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom.10:9). Salvation comes through the forgiveness of sins in acknowledging the Risen Christ as Saviour and Lord. Is Jesus your Lord? Have you or are you willing to surrender your life to follow Jesus wholeheartedly? Can you confess Christ like Thomas, “My Lord and my God” ?

Joshua challenged the people of His day to be faithful to the LORD Who had blessed them with His love and goodness. Then he declared to them, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Josh.24:15). May we and our family do the same and confess Jesus as Lord in our lives and in our homes! May He be always glorified in and through us. Amen. 

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