How do you identify yourself? Have you ever been apart of a group for the first time where everyone was asked to introduce themselves? Once we get past our names, the natural place to start with is what we do for a living. Others may go on to speak of their hobbies or for the bold some may even identify themselves with a specific medical condition, such as amputee or cancer survivor! The list can be endless, but the usual common denominator is most identify themselves according to a function of what they do or some other external mark.
I’ve been on a journey with the Lord recently on this matter. One morning while in prayer Holy Spirit clearly said, “DOING comes from BEING!” In other words, what we do should flow out of who we are according to our kingdom identity. What a man is comes first in the sight of God. BIBLICAL ORDER IS CRITICAL! Jesus gave reference to this in Matthew 7:21 when he said, “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?” They spoke of what they DID, but Jesus was more concerned of who they were!
When you look other Biblical examples such as Moses, another story appears. At his encounter with the Lord at the burning bush the first question Moses asks is, “Who am I?”
God answers his question of identity and tells him, “I am the Lord, the God of YOUR father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob!” Moses’ identity crisis was being addressed! He now knows that he is part of an unfinished story that began with the patriarchs and continues through him. His clothes and language may have said he was an Egyptian, but he is in fact a Jew because that is who his ancestors were, and their hopes now rest on him. Although it took a little time for his actions to align with his identity it did happen! Once his “being” was addressed the “doing” was blessed!
If there’s one name for God that has the power to dramatically transform the lives of believers, it’s that we can call God “Abba” or “Father.” Seeing our reflection in this light as a son or daughter has the power the settle identity completely once and for all! As this settles within, a beautiful reflection appears from our lives of the Father !(John 14:9) It’s from this place of “being” that the world as we know it can be transformed by the power of Gospel!
QUESTIONS:
1. How would you normally introduce yourself?
2. Discuss the biblical order difference you see in Matthew 7:22 verses Moses story.
3. Can you relate to Moses? Have you faced an identity crisis?
4. Have you encountered God as Father? How? When? Share your story. How did your life change after?
