Matt 16:16
“Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?””
We were all sitting around a campfire, the night was warm, but a nip was in the air, the sky was clear & the moon & stars were out. Behind us was black. It was like nothingness, just us all chatting, drinking hot chocolate & toasting marshmallows as the fire crackled & the flames danced.
Then Jesus spoke up & said guys, who do people say I am – John, Phil, and Barth said a few different things.
But Jesus just looked at us & said but who do you say I am? One by one, each gave his reply; something was happening it seemed like God was filling the place, and John began to weep…
Then looking across the flames, Jesus said & what about you” Mike, who do you say that I am”…
A lump got stuck in my throat. I could hardly speak as my eyes began to fill with water
Then it just came flooding out: Jesus, you are my everything, My Lord, My King, My Strength, The person I want to know & be known by, My voice was quivering – I LOVE YOU. You’re the reason why, You’re my hope – my future, My Joy, Lover of my soul, Wells of refreshing. The yeast in my dough – a few of the guys sniggered, then smiled & nodded. Eggs in my cake, The one who makes life worth living & I just had to repeat what Pete had just said – YOU’RE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD.
Jesus just smiled, & nodded,
It felt like we were on that mountain again when Moses turned up. You could feel God in the air.
My voice began to tremble as I asked Jesus what do you say about me! (Peter looks at me, I just knew he wished he had asked that question)
Even in the dark, with only the flames flickering, I knew Jesus was looking straight, not at me but in me, It was as if he could see right inside.
Jesus stood & walked slowly around the fire. Every eye was fixed upon Him & he knelt in front of me as I looked into his eyes, all I could see was pools / deep pools of something which words can’t describe – Love, the love I have felt only once before, the day I got saved.
I turned my head to look away but with such tenderness with both his hands around my face & turned my head. Then with almost a whisper which rang like bells deep within my soul.
Michael James Harris
I love you. The great & the not-so-great of you. I love your faith; trust in me. How tenacious you are for me. Jesus put his arms around me& held me close; I crumbled as a weeping reck into his arm.
As he held me, not saying a word, as he hugged me, it was as if he had gone inside of me. He was still hugging me from the outside but was filling me up from within.
Verse – came to mind. Christ in me the hope, my hope of Glory
Then Jesus just whispered: Fear not for I am with you, Don’t hold back, It’s now time to rise up & take your stand,Just as you extraordinarily open your heart to me
So I’m opening a new season – doors for you to walk through, It will start small but will growI do hear your cry & the longing of your heart.