The views expressed below are those of the writer and may not reflect the views of Rejoice Marriage Ministries or the Steinkamps.
Men, has the Lord placed a devotional on your heart that you would like to share with other standers?
In Mark 8:27 Jesus is with His disciples and asked them “Who do people say I am?”
Jesus was asking the disciples “What do the people around you, in your daily lives, call Me?” or “How do those around you view me?” This is a simple but foundationally important question that we must ask ourselves when we are faced with the everyday temptations to seek (sometimes forced to hear) advice from other people such as well-meaning friends and family members. Before we ask, take, or act upon the advice of one of these people we should have already prayed about the question and looked at what God’s Word (Truth) says about the topic. (Don’t forget to fast, if time allows.)
Next, who does that person say Jesus is? Do they know Him as the One whom “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me?” (Matthew 28:18) Do they know Him as the One who fed over 5,000 with only a few loaves? (Matthew 14:13-21) How about the One who restored and called Lazarus from the dead after nobody saw or heard from him for a few days as we are told in John 11:1-44? Do they say Jesus is the ultimate redeemer of souls and situations? If they do not, we must not let their advice (as well intended as it may be) take root in our minds and hearts.
Lastly, when the nights are long and you hear the enemy whispering or screaming “It’s been long enough, you tried your best to wait” or “ You did too much damage to your marriage for it to be healed,” perhaps you’ve heard the enemy say. “They won’t change, they are too far gone to come back” or “This can’t be fixed, ever.” When these nights or days come, we MUST ask ourselves the next question (the most important question we can and should ask) that Jesus asked in verse 29. “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do YOU say I am?” (Mark 8:29)
Who is Jesus to you?
Press on dear Standers. Press on.
Matt in Wisconsin