“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:13-16
Jesus asked the apostles whom people said he was? They gave different answers. Some say you are Elijah, one of the prophets etc. Then Jesus turned to them and confronted them with the same question:who do you say I am? This is a very important question especially in the church today. This is because who Jesus is to you will determine how far you will go with Him. It will determine what He will do in you, with you, for you and through you.
Many have not had that personal experience with Jesus. They lack that sweet fellowship and they do not know that sweet voice of the Shepherd. All they know is what they have been told. No experiential or revelation knowledge. It is not wrong to run with what “your man of God” said about God but if that is all you know; you will be limited. It is just like driving with the reflection from another car’s headlamp at night. You will be subject to the errors and pace of that car. In the same way, there is a limit you can fly on the wings of another man’s revelation.
God desires that we develop our own root system by taking what you were told, studying and digesting it until it comes alive in you. Such believers will be shallow because they “… have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended” (Mark 4:17).
They do not bear fruits because they do not have their own root system.
In the days ahead of us,it is crucial to develop deep roots in Christ. This is because “…such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits “(Daniel 11:32).
It is only those who have personal walk and experience with God that will be strong and do exploit. If all you know is what a particular man of God said, you may be tossed around by acontrary opinion of another notable man of God. But when you are established in the truth of God’s word, you will be like mount Zion that cannot be moved. You will not be swayed by the doctrines of men.