Dr H Reflections

A letter of recommendation ∙∙

A letter of recommendation ∙∙

But who do you say that I am? This question, posed by Jesus to His disciples, is a pivotal moment in the Gospels. It challenges us to consider our own understanding of Jesus’ identity and the implications of our belief in Him. – Mark 8:29

Mark 8:27-29

27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”

28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”

29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”

A letter of recommendation assesses and highlights the individual’s character traits, skills, and attributes, aiming to determine their suitability for a particular job or duty.

At some stage in your life, you will most likely be required to compose a reference letter for someone. Now, imagine being asked to draft a reference letter for the Lord Jesus Christ; what would you write? In a way, the four Gospels serve as letters of recommendation., testifying to His character, skills, and attributes.

Early in the Gospels, readers embark on a journey of discovery about Jesus Christ’s identity. His apostles, at first uncertain, must uncover it themselves. They listen, observe, and often find themselves astonished, pondering, “Who is this man?” as they witness His command over nature, such as calming the storm, “Even the winds and waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:27).

The Lord Jesus Christ revealed His true identity through His compelling, profound teachings and miraculous acts, demonstrating control over nature, illness, and even death.

John 6:68-69

68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,

69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

Every child of the King has conducted a comparable evaluation and concluded that He is the Son of God and has consequently placed their faith in Him.

The Lord Jesus Christ conducts a reality check, seeking to ascertain the current, common beliefs about His identity. Moreover, Jesus desired to understand His disciples’ personal beliefs about Him.

He questioned, “Who do people say I am?” seeking to gather the opinions of others. Responses varied widely, from acceptance and sympathy to outright rejection and hostility. The profound and enduring passage serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial moment when the disciples were summoned to express their unshakable faith in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As they stood in the presence of the Lord, they were asked to affirm and proclaim their convictions regarding His identity.

In a moment of profound introspection, Jesus sought to discern the nuanced nature of His disciples’ faith and comprehension. His question, “Who do people say I am?” served as a catalyst for a deeply introspective dialogue, prompting the apostles to navigate the myriad perceptions and distill their own unwavering faith in the Son of God.

The Lord Jesus Christ was not seeking popularity or running for office. He was not concerned about his standing in polls or public opinion. Instead, he wanted his apostles to clearly state their beliefs about him by asking, “Who do you say that I am?” This question calls for personal understanding and unyielding commitment.

How did the apostles’ convictions about Jesus develop? Their beliefs about Jesus weren’t mere products of chance but were formed over time through shared experiences. Over three years, they witnessed His profound teachings, saw miraculous healings, and navigated their interactions with religious authorities.

In a defining moment of unwavering faith, Peter ascended as the vanguard, proclaiming Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, monumentalizing a resounding declaration that would reverberate through the annals of time.

Jesus guided His apostles down a path of personal awareness, urging them to form their own understanding of His identity instead of merely echoing others’ views. Ultimately, they had to make a fundamental choice: to accept Him or not.

REFLECT & PRAY

Biblical belief is not a matter of opinion; it is the response of the heart to the revealed Truth in the Word of God. Biblical belief recognizes and affirms the truthfulness of the Scriptures.

Father, thank You for creating in me a desire to know the Truth, for guiding me to the Truth in Your Word, for enabling me to understand and believe in You and Your Son, and for giving me eternal life.

INSIGHT

The Gospels, written by either eyewitnesses or individuals who had direct contact with them during the first century, serve as historical records and biographical depictions of Jesus Christ’s life. They provide valuable insights into His teachings and actions during His time on earth. Rather than being mere compilations, the Gospels are intricate narratives with well-developed storylines, characters, and settings, focusing on the historical events of His life, death, and resurrection.

Despite their significance, the Gospels do not aim to be exhaustive accounts of His life. Instead, they are selective, offering glimpses into His personality and presenting only a fraction of what He said and did.

John 20:30-31

30 Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book,

31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

In the Gospel of John, the author’s primary aim was to present a comprehensive and persuasive account of the identity and mission of Jesus Christ. Through this Gospel, John sought to provide substantial evidence to enable readers to understand and evaluate the true nature of Jesus in depth. By offering a wealth of compelling information, John’s Gospel serves as a powerful endorsement, encouraging individuals to engage with the material and form their own convictions about the identity of Jesus.

John provides information in his gospel that allows readers to critically assess and draw their own conclusions. By presenting compelling evidence, John invites individuals to learn and believe that Jesus was indeed the Christ, the Son of God. As a result of placing their faith in Him, individuals are promised the gift of eternal life.

Imagine if a friend or colleague were tasked with writing a letter of recommendation for you, highlighting your unique qualities, traits, and skills. How might they portray you, and what would their insights reveal about your character and abilities?

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Counsel of desperate despair ∙∙

Counsel of desperate despair ∙∙

If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? – Psalms 11:3

Psalms 17:3-15

3 You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.

4 I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people.

5 My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you.

6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.

7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power, you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies.

8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

15 Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.

Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by Romulus and Remus, the twin sons of Mars, the god of war. Romulus became Rome’s first king. Later, in 27 B.C., Augustus took the reins as the first emperor, ushering in the Pax Romana, a period of two centuries marked by peace and prosperity, during which the Roman Empire thrived.

However, the empire eventually crumbled under the weight of its own excesses and corruption. As it grew bloated, Rome struggled to maintain control over its territories, which gradually slipped away. In September 476 A.D., a decisive defeat at the hands of a Germanic prince named Odovacar in Italy led to the end of the empire’s illustrious legacy.

Historians still debate the reasons behind Rome’s downfall. Key factors include barbarian invasions, economic woes, overexpansion, military overspending, government corruption, political instability, a loss of traditional values, the division of the empire into East and West, and a weakened Roman military. The foundations of Rome eroded, leading to its ultimate demise.

David, the king of Israel, faced similar chaos. The foundational principles of Mosaic law and justice were being eroded (Psalm 11:3). When societal foundations collapse, chaos and lawlessness often regrettably follow. The FRCL translation captures this breakdown: “The standards of the society are in ruins” (UBS).

The Hebrew term haras, translated as “destroyed” or “collapsed,” signifies destruction or irreversible damage, similar to the obliteration of the Egyptian forces at the Red Sea (Exodus 15:7). Such devastation is often described as horrific, appalling, or loathsome.

REFLECT & PRAY

During challenging times, David’s closest advisors and friends tempted him to doubt. He had to choose between flight or faith. He chose faith.

Father, You dwarf all adverse circumstances and provide each child of the King the opportunity to navigate these challenges with Him by their side, whether in spirit or even in a tangible presence (as seen in Matthew 28:20 and Daniel 3). With this promise, fear and retreat lose their power.

INSIGHT

David had known God intimately since he was a young boy. They weren’t just friends; they were buddies. God was with David during those solitary nights as he tended his sheep, listening and responding to his prayers with gentle, loving whispers. The Father saw this faithful child develop the confidence to survive all testing until the incident with Bathsheba.

The Father saw this faithful child develop the confidence to survive all testing until Bathsheba.

Psalms 11:1 I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!

The same was not true of his advisors. They were overwhelmed by the looming threat. They saw only the gathering storm, not the One who could calm it. Today, we rely on Doppler radar to warn us of severe weather, prompting evacuations in the face of hurricanes or coming tornadoes. As far as David’s fainthearted counselors were concerned, a man-made hurricane was coming. The situation was hopeless. The Nation of Israel was doomed. They strongly urged him to evacuate, flee, and save himself. “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!”

David found their panic perplexing. He was puzzled. Did they not know who he was, or more importantly, who the Father was? They should have known about David’s unwavering faith and trust in the Father’s protection. Confident that God could handle the situation, David saw no reason to fear or flee. He dismissed their well-intentioned yet misguided advice, resolute in his decision to stand firm no matter what.

David responded with what Kidner describes as “a spirited retort to some demoralizing advice,” essentially asking, “How can you say such a thing?” No doubt, he thought something like, “These challenges are tough but not insurmountable. I’ve faced worse before, and God has always seen me through. This, too, shall pass.”

Psalms 11:3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”

Psalms 11:4-7

4 But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.

5 The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.

7 For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.

David brushes them aside, confidently dismissing their concerns. His faith gave him assurance regarding things he could not see with his eyes. Reflecting inwardly, he poses a question: “Where is the Father right now?” He answers, affirming that the Father is enthroned in heaven, observing the unfolding events of history.

Psalms 2:4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.

The Father watches over both the righteous and the wicked, ready to intervene in the world and enter into the time-space continuum at any moment. The Scriptures are replete with examples of Him doing precisely that, such as parting the Red Sea, toppling Jericho, and protecting in the fiery furnace. With the Father eternally enthroned in heaven, there is little cause for worry. Amidst the seeming disorder of the world, David remains steadfast in his trust in the Father. Through his unwavering stance, David exemplifies the way of faith for all children of the King.

Psalms 11:2-3

2 The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.

3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed.

This sounds eerily familiar to recurring events of the 21st century, serving as a wake-up call. Without a firm foundation, how can Western Civilization stand?

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Envy and “The Whack” ∙∙

Envy and “The Whack” ∙∙

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. – Galatians 6:4

Genesis 4:2-9

2 When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground.

3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD.

4 Abel also brought a gift – the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift,

5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.

6 “Why are you so angry?” the LORD asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected?”

7 “You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”

8 One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.

9 Afterward, the LORD asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?” “I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

On January 6, 1994, during a practice session for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Detroit, Nancy Kerrigan was attacked with a baton, struck on her right knee. The assailant was hired by Tonya Harding’s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, and his associate, Shawn Eckardt.

This notorious event, known as “The Whack,” reverberated globally and seriously threatened Kerrigan’s chances of qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team.

Harding once commented that she and Kerrigan were “competitors, yes, but not rivals.” Really? Did Tonya Harding have envy issues? Do you think? Just eliminate the competition, problem solved!

Envy can trap us in destructive emotional bondage. It is often damaging to others. Many of us, if we’re honest, fall into the habit of comparing ourselves to others. These comparisons rarely end well. Instead of appreciating our own blessings, envy makes us covet what others have. When we feel inadequate, it breeds dissatisfaction, anger, and even hatred, which can quickly spiral out of control. So it was with Tonya Harding.

But where did envy originate? It dates back to Cain, the first human born on Earth, who envied his brother Abel. Both offered gifts to God, but only Abel’s was accepted. Why? Genesis doesn’t explain why. But the Book of Hebrews provides some insight.

Hebrews 11:4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.

Abel offered his gift with faith, showing he was a righteous man, unlike Cain. Cain wasn’t rejected because of his offering; instead, his offering was rejected because Cain’s heart wasn’t right with the Father. Abel’s faith made his sacrifice more acceptable, demonstrating his right standing with God. Outward actions driven by an evil heart are unacceptable. God declined Cain’s offering due to the condition of his heart. Abel’s example of a faith-driven life still resonates today.

Cain’s lack of faith led him astray. His envy turned into deadly rage, resulting in Abel’s murder. The 10th commandment warns against coveting anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Exodus 20:17 You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

“Covetousness is an unquenchable thirst for getting more and more of something we think we need in order to be truly satisfied” (Wiersbe). Coveting breeds an insatiable desire for others’ possessions, escalating into destructive anger. This desire can lead to deceit, theft, and even murder. What we deeply desire, we often end up idolizing. When we prioritize these desires over our devotion to the Father, it becomes idolatry.

REFLECT & PRAY

Jeremiah 17:9 The human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?

Father, my heart is inclined to evil. It is so easy to be deceived by sin, which is lurking at the door of my heart. Encourage me to think and act rightly.

INSIGHT

The Genesis story highlights Cain’s reaction when the Father accepted Abel’s offering but rejected his. Cain’s response reveals the darkness in his heart as he becomes consumed with anger towards both the Father and Abel.

“Cain was so angry he would not be talked out of his sin – even by God” (Ross).

When we harbor wrong motives and intentions, any attempts to please the Father are, at best, mere wishful thinking and, at worst, self-deceptive, delusional vanity. Motives and intentions are similar but different. A motive refers to the underlying reason or driving force behind a decision or action. It is the “why” we act the way we do. An intention is the goal or outcome behind a decision. It is the “what” or “how” of our choices.

1 John 3:12 We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous.

God explained to Cain that obedience brings blessings, yet Cain allowed envy and resentment to overwhelm him. His anger escalated to murder, as Cain chose to ignore what was right and let sin seize control over his actions.

Genesis 4:7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.

Sin is depicted as a relentless predator, lying in wait to strike. It crouches in the shadows, waiting to pounce. The Hebrew term rabats conveys this imagery, suggesting a “creature lying in wait to ambush with stealth and secrecy.” It has the connotation, “If you do what is wrong, then sin is ready to destroy you” (UBS).

The Hebrew word teshuqah is often translated as “control.” Teshuqah frequently means to desire, crave, long for, or dominate. It implies a desire to dominate, much like a beast ready to devour. In this context, sin is personified as seeking to control Cain. Instead of resisting, he succumbs, leading to the tragic act of fratricide.

After the evil deed was done, the Father came calling. He confronted Cain, asking pointedly about Abel. The Father was not seeking information. as He already knew. It was an opportunity for Cain to come clean, confess and take responsibility.

Genesis 4:9 Afterward, the LORD asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?” “I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

God’s question cuts to the core. Cain’s response was dismissive, lacking empathy, cold, uncaring, sarcastic, and evasive. He lied and refused to take responsibility.

Cain faced a choice: let sin dominate him or master it. The decision was his to make.

The same is true for each child of the King.

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Conspiracy theories ∙∙

Conspiracy theories ∙∙

Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” –

John 20:1-2

Matthew 28:11-15

11 Now, while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.

12 And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,

13 and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’”

14 “And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble.”

15 And they took the money and did as they had been instructed, and this story was widely spread among the Jews and is to this day.

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, a small but vocal group of people around the world believe that the Earth is flat. Claims that the earth is round are either an unproven theory or a deliberate deception. Polls conducted by YouGov America in 2018 and FDU in 2022 revealed that up to 11% of Americans may hold this belief (theconversation.com).

How is this possible?

While it might be easy to dismiss “Flat Earthers” as a mildly amusing curiosity, we mustn’t underestimate their influence. We ignore their arguments at our peril. Polls indicate that conspiracy theories often overlap, sometimes leading to radicalization. Understanding how Flat Earthers share and defend their beliefs can shed light on why these ideas are so resistant to debunking (Carlos Diaz Ruiz, The Conversation).

Conspiracy theories hold a certain allure, often appealing to those who crave the thrill of possessing secret, forbidden knowledge. This exclusivity can make believers feel more intelligent or more enlightened than others, complicating efforts by loved ones to change their minds.

Indulging in conspiracy theories can be exhilarating, even intoxicating, often transforming into a celebrated movement or campaign. “Unfortunately, many conspiracy theory believers are thrilled by the opportunity to feel like they have access to forbidden or secret knowledge – a chance to seem smarter than others. It certainly adds to the appeal and immediately undermines the efforts of loved ones trying to pull them out” (News Literacy Project)

“One strategy they use is to take sides in existing debates. People who are deeply attached to one side of a culture war are likely to wield any and all arguments (including truths, half-truths, and opinions) if it helps them win. People invest their identity into the group and are more willing to believe fellow allies rather than perceived opponents – a phenomenon that sociologists call neo-tribalism.”

“The problem arises when people internalize disinformation as part of their identity. While news articles can be fact-checked, personal beliefs cannot. When conspiracy theories are part of someone’s value system or worldview, it is difficult to challenge them” (Tomas Nilsson).

In my upbringing, my community firmly believed that Jesus Christ was neither the Messiah nor the Savior of the world—a notion dismissed as a myth invented by others. It wasn’t until I researched for myself that I discovered His true identity and chose to believe in Him.

When did this supposed conspiracy start? It was on the third day after the crucifixion when Jesus’ tomb was found empty.

Luke 24:1-3

1 But very early on Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.

2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus.

How can this possibly be explained?

The disappearance of the dead body can only be accounted for in two ways. The first possibility is that the body was stolen. The second possibility is that the Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead, as He had predicted.

Mark 16:6 The angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.

The religious leaders would have none of this. It didn’t fit their agenda. So they concocted a story, and a conspiracy theory was hatched. Remains in place down through the centuries.

Matthew 28:11-15

12 And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,

13 and said, “You are to say, “His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.”

15 And they took the money and did as they had been instructed, and this story was widely spread among the Jews and is to this day.

REFLECT & PRAY

“One of the common failings among honorable people is a failure to appreciate how thoroughly dishonorable some other people can be, and how dangerous it is to trust them” (Thomas Sowell).

Father, thank You for the empty tomb and the resurrection. Please help me to discern and dismiss conspiracy theories that are baseless and without merit.

INSIGHT

The spin doctors wove their web of deception, bribing soldiers to concoct a false narrative about the events. The tale they spun was questionable. Under Roman law, guards who fell asleep on duty faced execution, yet they claimed to have been sleeping. If they were indeed asleep, wouldn’t the noise of the massive stone being moved have woken them?

“The elders gave the soldiers instructions about the lie they were to tell the public. It is ironic that the thing the elders feared (theft of Jesus’ body by the disciples, the reason they posted soldiers at the tomb) became the story they concocted to explain the empty tomb” (Richison).

As with many conspiracy theories, this one had obvious flaws. It’s almost laughable that the soldiers were told to spread the rumor that Jesus’ disciples stole his body while they were asleep. If they were asleep, how could they possibly know what happened to Jesus’ body? Matthew recorded this narrative with a touch of irony and humor, highlighting how absurd it was to believe the rumor that Jesus’ disciples had taken his body (UBS).

“Anyone who stole the body would have taken the body in the graveclothes. Yet the empty graveclothes were left in the tomb in an orderly manner. This was hardly the scene of a grave robbery” (Wiersbe).

Interestingly, no one ever produced Jesus’ dead body. If the aim were to debunk the resurrection and disprove the nascent, emerging church, displaying the dead body would have sufficed.

So, what actually happened?

Jesus was crucified and buried, and He rose from the dead on the third day. This resurrection is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. The resurrection affirms that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

1 Corinthians 15:57 Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

HE IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

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Self-absorbed distractions ∙

Self-absorbed distractions ∙

You are worried and bothered about so many things, but only one thing is necessary – Luke 10:41-42

Luke 21:34-36

34 Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by . . . the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware,

35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth.

36 Keep alert at all times.

In 1904, Sigismund Goetze displayed his painting, “He was Despised and Rejected of Men,” at the exhibition of the Royal Academy in London. At the time, it created somewhat of a fuss.

Paintings of the suffering of Christ are abundant. However, this painting is somewhat unique. The Lord Jesus Christ is pictured in the center, tied to a pedestal. An angel stands high above in the background. His head bowed, holding a cup.

Although the Lord Jesus Christ is in the midst of a large group of people, they take little notice of Him. They pass by without even glancing in His direction. They are all caught up in their daily activities. It is business as usual. Life goes on for all but one. A nurse easily identified by her uniform has turned her eyes toward Him. What is remarkable is that the people are all dressed in contemporary Victorian-style clothing. Goetze juxtaposed the suffering of Christ ordained in eternity past with the mundanity of contemporary life.

A closer look reveals Christ tied to an altar inscribed with “The Unknown God,” echoing the apostle Paul’s reference in Athens (Acts 17:23). This subtle detail weaves together historical and spiritual themes, enriching the narrative with depth and complexity.

The scene is very similar to what we might expect in the 21st century. Transposing this scene into today’s world, only fashion would change. People would likely be fixated on their smartphones, engrossed and unaware as they pass by. A closer look reveals Christ tied to an altar inscribed with “The Unknown God,” echoing the apostle Paul’s reference in Athens (Acts 17:23). This subtle detail weaves together historical and spiritual themes, enriching the narrative with depth and complexity.

Of course, that is the point of Goetze’s painting. For the vast majority of people, the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for the sins of the world remains unknown or ignored.

Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Acts 17:22-23

22 Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way,

23 for as I was walking along, I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: “To an Unknown God.” This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.

REFLECT & PRAY

Caught up in the rush of daily activities, it is far too easy to become oblivious or insensitive to the Lord Jesus Christ. We forget.

Father, as you know, life in the 21st century is rushed and packed with busyness.

Enable me to make steady progress and give You the highest priority in my life.

INSIGHT

Who is Jesus Christ, and why does it matter?

The Lord Jesus Christ performed many signs to demonstrate His true identity.

John 20:30-31

30 Therefore, many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

When Christ was alive on earth, many people were perplexed and struggled to understand His true identity.

Matthew 16:13-17

13 Now, when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”

The Lord Jesus Christ was well aware of what was going on and who would believe and who would not. He clearly articulated this understanding and provided the reasoning behind it.

John 6:64-66

64 “But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him.

65 And He was saying, “For this reason, I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”

66 As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.

Faith is a choice, a personal decision. Yet the Father actively works to encourage individuals to become part of His Forever Family to come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

Peter understood the full significance of believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is through this faith that we receive forgiveness and eternal salvation. There is no other way to come to the Father.

John 6:68-69

68 Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.”

69 “We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”

Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we face ongoing choices about how we nurture our relationship with Him. We can become consumed by the distractions of everyday life, or we can choose to prioritize our connection with Christ. This decision rests with each of us. Making Christ the focal point of our lives is a process, a skill that every child of the King can cultivate.

It requires time and effort, and not every day will be the same. We experience periods of significant spiritual growth and closeness, as well as times of dryness. This is entirely normal. As A. H. Strong noted, “Growth is not a uniform thing in the tree or in the Christian. In some single months, there is more growth than in all the year besides. During the rest of the year, however, there is solidification, without which the green timber would be useless. The period of rapid growth, when the woody fiber is actually deposited between the bark and the trunk, occupies but four to six weeks in May, June, and July.”

We need to learn to unstring our bow now and then and relieve the tension. Don’t be discouraged! Continue striving toward the high calling we’ve been given (Philippians 3:14).

Whether or not they are children of the King, people often become too easily distracted from what truly matters.

Luke 10:41-42 You are worried and bothered about so many things, but only one thing is necessary.

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