Who Do Men Say That I Am?by Dr. Geraldine H. McInnis
"When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" [emphasis mine] So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say I am?" [emphasis mine] Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:13-16
During these latter months of the year I think it is imperative that all leaders take the time to sit and commune with their followers for a time of re-evaluation. We get progress reports when in school and we receive evaluation reports on our jobs. But how do we rate and how are we really in the eyes of those we serve and lead?
Jesus had a time of interaction and discourse with the ones He selected to follow Him. Throughout their time of sharing, praying and walking together the disciples had first hand affiliations in knowing their leader. But did all of them really know Him?
It was interesting that Jesus started the question by inquiring about others outside of the disciples close connection. He rose with a question: "Who do men say that I am?" They immediately started listing the names of other people that have been attached to the likeness of Jesus. "Some say that you are John the Baptist: some, say Elijah, and others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.
Jesus went further and personally asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter boldly and correctly announced to Jesus that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God." Nobody else can fit that description.
Each one of us was born to fulfill a unique purpose. Esther's purpose was unlike Ruth's purpose. Jeremiah and Elijah were both prophets but each one had his own specific assignment and mission. Each one of us has a specific assignment and plan that flows with the greater mission and history of the Church.
Do the people you lead really know you; your purpose; your assignment; your mission or vision? Do they gaze at you trying to discover who you look like or who you preach like? Is there a clear distinction of your call and work?
I want to encourage you as we gradually approach the closing of this year to gather your closest leaders, staff and workers around you for a review. How much do they know about you? Are they on the same page regarding your purpose and the Father's will for your life?
I recall when I was in school the teachers, near the close of the year, would prep the students for final exams. We had to review for about two weeks the important facts and lessons that were taught and would probably be included in the test.
We needed that refresher course because some lessons had been forgotten. Other principles were not highlighted in our minds because we didn't deem it valuable at the time. Then there were facts that were necessary for us to capture and embrace because they would govern our course and propel us into our destiny.
So, gather your leaders around you and review the vision, mission and purpose of your ministry. Hear what others are saying about "you"...not for gossip sake but for balance. What points do we need to clarify? What lessons must we rehearse? It would make an interesting session!
I believe we are to make a lasting impact in the minds of people and a lasting imprint on the soils of society as we fulfill our purposes on this earth as present-day leaders. Now, continue to fulfill and finish the work that God has assigned to your hands.
With all said and done, I want to CONGRATULATE Evangelist Nichelle Early for the accomplishing task of completing one year as the founder and chief editor of PreachingWoman.com magazine. Thank you for staying the course and staying committed to the vision and mission that is uniquely yours to lead. We celebrate your life today and may God's grace and favor adorn you with showers of blessings. Your footsteps have made an imprint in the sands of time for many women to follow. We salute you this month!
Dr. Geraldine McInnis lives in Bowie, MD and is joined in marriage and ministry with her husband Larry for over 30 years. They have three adult children and one grandson.Geraldine earned her Masters Degree in Christian Counseling and a Doctorate in Theology. She is a crisis interventionist and has pastored for over 16 years.She is one of the refreshing prophetic voices in the Christian arena. Visit Dr. Mom at: www.DrLadyGMcInnis.org and www.myspace.com/dr_gmcinnis
