Self-Identification

Focus verses: Luke 7:24-35

In our readings a few days ago, Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah about Himself. That should have been the first clue for the people that He was the prophesied Messiah.

Here again, he refers to the Old Testament prophets, when he said John is the one about whom it is written:

"See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty. (Malachi 3:1)

Jesus is speaking plainly about His own identity. One of Jesus' most powerful assets is that even in human form He knew who He was. He was identified as part of the God-head. While He limited Himself to time and space like any man, He was still a part of God.

How do you identify yourself? Can you tell who you are without referring to your parents, spouse, or children? Do you label yourself by your occupation or co-workers? How do you define yourself in your own mind?

These are important questions. Most of the time we identify ourselves by our relationships to other people and our occupations.

In order to draw closer to God, we need to be identifying ourselves with relationship to Him. If you have ever heard the still, quiet, powerful voice of God, what name did He call you by?

Just exactly who are you in that context?

Father, God,

Thank You for loving us enough to send Your Son, Jesus, to be the propitiation for all our sins. Forgive us our many transgressions, and teach us how to be your obedient, compliant children.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.