At our life group on Monday we discussed having God revelation versus having communicated knowledge. There are people who can quote scripture backwards and forwards, yet have never had a true God revelation. A revelation from God is when He becomes SO real to you that there is nothing that will ever stop you from living for Him. I grew up attending church. Even throughout times in my adult life I not only attended church, but was actively involved. All the while, I was still doing things in my life that did not line up with scripture. See, I knew certain things were sin, yet I deliberately chose to continue doing those things. When I say deliberately, I mean I sought out people and situations that would lead me into temptation. Honestly, there were times I lead THEM into temptation. It's not like when you have a thought that is envious and then immediately repent for the thought. My sin involved intentional and deliberate action. How I must have grieved the Holy Spirit!
However, about 14 months ago, I received a God revelation. I can't explain to you in words what happened. I wish I had some magnificent "Jesus showed up in my room in the middle of the night" kind of experience. Then again, maybe in some ways He did. After a bit of a wild streak, I had a "come to myself" kind of moment. It was more one of looking at what I was doing and asking how did my actions line up with what I claimed to believe. The only thing I remember hearing from God at the time was "How much longer are you going to fight me and continue doing this to yourself?"
The hurt I felt was caused by my own choices. Although I wasn't literally cutting myself, my actions were leading to the same kind of pain and remorse. I don't handle rejection very well. After having several men in my life reject me (some in romantic relationships and some in friendships), I reacted by returning to my old lifestyle. It was one that resembled the world. By no means was it what God wants and has planned for me. I know I'm saying a lot to try and get my point across here. The point is that all the preaching, worship music, Christian friendships, life groups, bible reading, etc didn't amount to anything in my life. What made the difference to me, was Jesus suddenly became real. I could see the pain I caused Him. I could feel His sorrow as He saw me and all He wanted for me, yet I was choosing to refuse His blessings.
"And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ." Mark 8:29
I want to focus on the first part of that scripture. Jesus asked "but who do YOU say that I am?" (emphasis mine). If Jesus asked you that question today, how would you answer? Would it be a rote "you're the Son of God, you died for my sins, so now I can die and live in heaven." While there is truth in that answer, Jesus should be so much more. What He has been for me, He can be for you and even so much more! He's not just the Son of God. While on earth, He was a healer, a preacher, a game-changer, a challenger of culture, a son, a brother, a friend, a confidant, a scholar, a lover of people, a redeemer. He consoled, He challenged, He fed, He inspired, He led, He accepted, He gave grace, and so much more!
All that said....Who do YOU say that He is?
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