Busyness seems to be driven by a determination not to “miss out on life.” Behind much of the rat race of life today is the unexamined assumption that what I do determines who I am.
Jesus did not have that problem. His identity as the Son of God and calling as the Messiah were clear. He never asked a question to which he didn’t have the answer. When he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” he did that for their benefit. The disciples looked back and responded with the names of prophets from the past because people believed that the Messiah, their promised deliverer, would be like those prophets.
But Peter had seen enough to know that Jesus was the true Anointed One (Messiah). Peter had an inspired confession of faith. He declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Peter was a prophet as he spoke these words. He affirmed the truth of God, professing that Jesus is the Messiah and Savior. That is what we do as prophets. We share in Christ’s calling as prophets when we point to him as the one true Savior and Lord of all.
We are anointed as prophets to tell people who Jesus is. We are called to make Jesus famous.
As a Christian, this is your identity. This is who you are. Whom can you introduce to Jesus today?
Lord Jesus, make me more like you. Make my calling sure. May my heart and my mouth be open to confessing you as Christ, my Lord and Savior, in whose name I pray. Amen.
About the author — Pete Byma
Pete Byma has served as a pastor of congregations in Michigan and in Washington state. Serving now as a pastor in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he is also a consultant/coach for churches experiencing conflict, and he enjoys equipping and establishing people in ministry. He is married to Cheri, and they have four grown children and six grandchildren. Pete is also a registered soccer official and enjoys bicycling.
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