Time for Grace-January 15, 2024

Time for Grace-January 15, 2024

Matthew 16:13-17

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But you, who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

Dear Lord Jesus,

If we were to ask the world who You are? We, too, would get a variety of answers. Some might say you were a good man showing us how to live our lives accordingly towards others. Others might claim you to be a fictional character made up by religious leaders to control humans. Others might even wonder why all this matters; they only see you as an angry, unjust God. There are several other answers the world might give to who you are.

However, as Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” You set aside heaven to restore people to You. You were not only true man, the Son of Mary, but also the Son of God, equal to God the Father in glory and honor.

Sin came into the world when our first parents doubted You; they brought the curse of hell upon us all. If one thinks this is unfair, we are equally guilty as our first parents; none of us is perfect. We are all found lacking and in need of being rescued from ourselves and our sinful desires.

So according to the plan of salvation—a united plan of God the Father, Spirit, and You—You came to this earth to live a perfect and holy life. Then You willingly allowed yourself to be hung on the cursed tree—the cross. So that everyone who looks to You, believing and trusting You have forgiven our every sin, is rescued and restored to You; they are saved by faith in You.

So, we thank you for being our God and rescuing us from our sins. Please send Your Spirit to strengthen our faith so that we might share the truth that you are the One promised in the Old Testament and rescued us from our sins, and we have the sure hope of salvation and eternal life. Amen.

Written through Pastor Roger Emmons

May God reveal to you through the Holy Spirit who Jesus truly is—the Savior of the world. God wants all people to be saved and be restored to him.