Jesus’ question “Who do you say that I am?” is personal, direct, searching.
My answer is that of a 21st century 80 year old man who has journeyed with Jesus for most of those years, not a 1st century 30 year old Galilean man who had only known Jesus for a year or so. Which answer shall I offer? Maybe three.
You are the One who makes sense of life
Life can be confusing . Losing my mother at the age of 13 did not make much sense. But as I made my way through those sometimes difficult teenage years your Book, your ways, your teaching, made sense and have continued to do so.
Pondering that strange unjust event, your death on that Cross, has helped me think about the big themes of life – forgiveness, the mystery of suffering, a fresh start, and grace. It spoke loudly of the love of the Creator for all created beings, and me. To refuse that love seemed callous, almost nonsense. Yet in accepting that love I found peace and harmony.
Your dying still has its mystery. I do not fully understand it. But, in faith, I can see some sense and meaning in it. And somehow it also gives sense to my life as well, even when some things make no sense.
You are the One who gives purpose and direction.
I have always asked you to guide my life because I believed you had a task for me. You have always answered, in different ways at different times – through the Bible, through an inner conviction, through friends, through circumstances. Sometimes others made the decision.
Why was that girl from another part of Sydney, who I slowly began to admire and be attracted to, so often at the camp I was also at? Why did people begin saying “Have you thought of entering the Ministry?” Why was that sermon on the last evening of our honeymoon an overseas missions promotion? And why did a congregation in Canberra, who had never met me, invite me to be their minister?. Working for 10 years in the primitive Highlands of PNG hardly seems appropriate background and experience for working in an educated sophisticated Australian community.? But these were no accidents. Choices made prepared for the next stage. It has seemed an orderly plan. You have directed my life.
You are One who is always with me.
I was facing a major decision. I found myself at Greenhills Camp near the Cotter, with time to think and pray. Sitting on the grass, gazing across the large open paddocks I was surprised there were no kangaroos grazing or resting. Most unusual. I pondered my options. Nothing seemed clear. Ten or so minutes elapsed. No clarity, only confusion.
Somehow the idea came to look behind me. I could not believe my eyes. There, no more than 10 metres away, were three young kangaroos, standing still, facing each other in a perfect symmetrical pattern. I had no doubt. This was a visit from the three in one God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. After about 20 seconds they quietly hopped away.
I received no guidance or direction that day. The future was still very cloudy. But I received the strongest message I could – “Ron, I, the triune God, am always with you. Never doubt that.” I already knew it. But now I was absolutely certain. I have carried that image with me ever since. You are One who is always with me.
Ron Reeson