The Messiah I Need
Hello, my lovely Dear Sisters! It's been awhile hasn't it? I've missed this place so much and I have so much about my life and the work that Jesus has been doing to it that I want to tell, but there is a season for everything... And right now is not the season to elaborate on it! Just know that all is well!
Anyways, I wanted to share a piece of what I got from my quiet time this morning: I'm still reading "Praying the Names of Jesus" by Ann Spangler, and this week the focus is on Jesus as the Christ and Messiah. Today I read the passage where Jesus asked Peter who he thought Jesus was, and Peter responds that Jesus is Christ. If you don't know the story, check out Matthew 16: 13-23. But there's a part where Peter rebukes Jesus because Jesus reveals that He is about to be crucified. Jesus in return rebukes Peter. I've read this passage numerous times, but Ann really broke it down for me:
"Like the rest of the Jews who were looking for Israel's deliverance, Peter was guilty of trying to reshape Jesus into the Messiah he wanted, not the Messiah he needed."
The Jews who were waiting on the Messiah's arrival were expecting someone to come high and mighty and rule as a king who would deliver Israel from its enemies. But Jesus did so much better than that. He knew alleviating Israel physical pain wasn't the necessary treatment, just as their enemies weren't the real problem. He knew the true problem was their sin was leading his beloved to eternal death and separation from the Father. He knew He needed to die so his people could live forever with Him.
How many of us are like Peter and the Jews and try to get the Messiah to give us quick fixes, when we need some deep work? How many of us are okay with just settling with asking God to give us what we want to make our lives better instead of asking for what we need?
As you ladies know, I am in this transitional season in my life where I am moving from fiancee to wife (Ahhh!). This season has been one of true growth, that I must admit I was slow in accepting. But thank God He reveal things to His children when they are ready to receive it! This morning, I realized that I don't need more money, I need more contentment and dependence on Him. I may want people to stop talking about me and coming against me, but I actually need to be free from people bondage and I need to learn grace and patience. I want this, and I want that, but in all honesty, I need more holiness, more quiet time with my Savior, more boldness...
If you haven't, ask Jesus to give you His heart, His mind, and His priorities. Be content in having the Christ you need, instead of looking for a Christ you want. Because I guarantee you won't find him.
Love you, sis!
Tiffany