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In John 1:19-28 we read, “Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ”. And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not, “Are you the prophet?” and he answered, “No”. Then, they said to him, Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”
He said: “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.”
John knew who he was and who he was not. He was not confused about his purpose. He knew his purpose was not the savior who takes away the sins of the world, and he knew he was not Elijah, the Prophet from of old. He knew that he was to prepare the way of the Lord, the coming one who will take away the sins of the world.
As we allow the Word of God to abide in us, we learn how to defeat the enemy because we know the truth and the truth makes us free.
In Matthew 16:13 Jesus asks His disciples, “… Who do men, say that I, the Son of Man am?” So, they said, “Some say Elijah, and others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do YOU say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Father God opened the spiritual eyes and heart of Peter to see who Jesus is – more than a man, but the Son of the Living God. Once Peter saw who Jesus is, he could see his own identity and purpose, and that aligning with the truth of who Christ is, would be able to join Him in building the Church – God’s called out ones. In that place of knowing His purpose, he is given the keys of the kingdom – the authority to partner with heaven on earth.
Likewise, John knew who he was not, but he knew who Jesus is. He knew his purpose was to prepare the way for the Messiah.
Who is Jesus to you? Is He a prophet from of old that tells you things to come? Is he a man who does great things? Or is He the one who gives you the keys of the Kingdom to bring heaven to earth? How you see Him will determine how you see yourself. Are you walking in the fullness of the destiny God has for you? That is true success.
Let’s Pray
Father God, I pray that you would open my eyes to see your son Jesus in all the victory He paid for on the Cross. Help me to see the power He has given me to see the Kingdom of heaven and to release it on earth in every situation in my life. Help me to see that I am called to be a change agent bringing about His rule and reign on earth. Thank you for loving me and giving me the greatest gift – Your son. Amen.
