Weekly Update: 16th February

Who am I?

I think one of the saddest things these days are stories of people who really struggle with their identity, they don’t know who they really are and they certainly don’t know who they are in God or what God thinks of them.

There are many ways that we confirm our identity in the world today. Firstly, we may be in a job role with a particular uniform that easily identifies us to others. We can be identified by our data footprint, all the information about us that is kept on record and used to see if we are a risk financially or whether we’ve been in trouble or where we live and work? Our birth certificates, driving licences, passports all show who we are to anyone who would have a reason to ask or to check. One of the most fascinating for me is the science behind our uniqueness, DNA (Deoxy-ribo Nucleic Acid) Our very cells and genes, the science behind how God makes and sustains us. So what does the Bible say about identity?

In Matthew 16, we  see Jesus asking his disciples a question which to them at that moment must have seemed a bit strange. Jesus asks them, “Who do you say I am?” Did He ask this as he didn’t know? Of course not! I bet the disciples must have awkwardly glanced at each other to see who would tackle the answer. But only one spoke up and that was Peter. He was a bit rough around the edges, had made a career of upsetting the Romans over unpaid taxes, being grumpy when the fishing didn’t go his way. He strikes me earlier in the gospels as a man who did not seem to be in tune with God, more of a rebel. However, here we are seeing Peter “getting it”! Peter showed courage, bravery and an “I don’t care what others think” kind of mentality as he openly declared to Jesus, in front of everyone, “You are the Messiah! The Son of the Living God”. Hang on a minute Pete! Are you feeling alright? Have you gone a bit daft? Where has this grumpy doubter gone and who was this spirit filled man with authority and humilty who was on his knees. He knew who Jesus was and at the same time he suddenly became that man who’s potential Jesus had known.  Here he was speaking the truth. The only thing that mattered to Peter was that he wanted everyone to know that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God! This statement was about Jesus, not Peter.

We know that Peter was still very much a work in progress. Arguably one of his biggest failures was yet to come  when he is so scared he denied he even knew Jesus!  Peter’s recovery and forgiveness and restoration by Jesus, meant he was ready to lead Christ’s early church and be that courageous, redeemed leader fearlessly speaking out for Jesus.

Know who you are in Christ. In the Bible there are many passages to affirm our identity in Christ but I want to end with this one, Psalm139:13. God affirms our identity, right at the earliest point. You are known, loved, redeemed and very much your identity is in God and His plans for your life.

Have a blessful week!

Jackie