Israel – the Promise Land.
We flew into Tel Aviv several months back with full anticipation of being overwhelmed with all of the spiritual history we were about to experience. It truly is hard to put into words what this trip taught me, the rush of emotions, and the realization of being in the same places Jesus walked while on this earth.
One of the day trips that was one of the most beautiful and surreal experiences was our visit to Banias Waterfall at the base of Mount Hermon. In the midst of the extreme heat and humidity, we began our walk to see the famed Banias Waterfall and Springs. Walking along the dusty path being baked by the sun, we soon began to notice a change. The temperature started to drop, dust turned to green and our ears were met with the sound of rushing water. We began to move faster in anticipation as to what we would see around the corner. I wasn’t prepared for the intense beauty and the power of what we saw. Turning the corner, we saw the mighty rush of water as it coursed over the rocks and trees in its pathway. We spent the next ten minutes walking the trail along the water and found ourselves standing on the overlook deck. We felt the refreshing spray of water as we relished in the beauty of the water.
This waterfall and springs provides water for the famous Jordan River where so much Biblical history took place. Banias Falls is also the place of Caesarea Philippi. One of the most profound historical moments at this location was Jesus’ conversation to his disciples about who they, and others, said He was. Let’s look at Matthew’s account.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Matthew 16:13-19
It’s cause for pause as we are asked the same question, “Who do you say the Lord is?” When Peter was asked specifically by Jesus who he said He was, Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Notice after Peter accurately acknowledged Jesus was his Savior and Lord, it was then Jesus told Peter who he was, He called out Peter’s identity. He gave Peter his new name. He gave Peter His purpose. And, He gave Peter the ability to accomplish his purpose.
When we acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Lord of our entire life, He will reveal who we are.
Jesus will:
- Reveal our identity
- Show us our purpose
- Give us the ability and resources to fulfill our purpose
So the question begs, “Who do you say Jesus is?”
May we continue to live …
Rooted in Him,
