“Other’s said, This is the Christ.  But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? ” John 7:41

When it comes to Jesus everyone will experience one of three responses: you believe, you don’t believe or you don’t know what to believe.  Jesus had that effect on people.  He would do things (miracles) that utterly dumbfounded people.  He would say things like, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink,” (John 7:37), that would take people totally off guard and they couldn’t help but be amazed by the words that came from His mouth.  Yet, there are those who deride who He says He is and they say, “Shall Christ come out of Galilee?” (John 7:41).  These types look for reasons not to believe.

It is an awesome thing to be fully persuaded in one’s own heart that “This is the Christ!”  Many in the crowd that Jesus was speaking to on that day were divided.  They were not only divided with one another, but they were perplexed within themselves about the man who stood before them teaching with such authority.  They heard and saw but still wrestled in their heart to believe.  Yet, in the division, there were some who knew, who felt the truth within them that “This is the Christ!”

Commotions, dissensions and disagreements, they will always exist as long as this world does.  But, for those whose hearts are grounded in the truth, they can boldly declare, “This is the Christ!”

How often has someone come against your faith?  How many times have you been ridiculed for what you believe in?  If not verbally, but in the way others treat you because of your hope in Him?  One’s faith is at the core of the declaration of Christ for oneself.  If the faith is real, it will keep him/her rested in their Savior despite the contentions around.  Yet, if it is but a surface faith when the hardness of life approaches it will wither under the pressure of adversity.

“This is the Christ!”  The soul that can still declare that is a soul happy before his/her Lord.  The soul that cleaves to the truth of these words is the soul that won’t soon be moved.  The soul that rests in that wonderful truth is the soul that will find peace eternal no matter the failing of others who don’t recognize Him for who He is.

“This is the Christ!”  That’s who He was then and that’s who He remains to be today.  Keep your hope anchored in that truth and no matter what else may be going on in your life, your faith in who He is will see you through.  Be blessed in this wonderful truth today!