Have you ever experienced identity issues? Actually, it’s quite common. In other words, you’re not alone. Today, we examine – Jesus has no identity issues!
Do you?
Jesus Has No Identity Issues
Scripture makes this exceedingly clear. Indeed, Jesus has no identity issues. He knows exactly who He is, where He came from, and why. Interestingly, that’s more than any of us can claim.
Listen to this Scripture. “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. Rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness . . . He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:6-8)
So often, people focus on their identity. Designer jeans, specific shoes, a preferred brand of coffee or tea, a social-statement-kind-of-car, member of a popular group, etc.
Essentially, they “identify” with things, people, positions, and so forth. Frankly, they are trying to validate their identity.
Identity With Purpose
Jn. 16:28 says, “I came from the Father and entered the world . . .” As already stated, Jesus knows Himself – well. He also totally knows His purpose. Naturally, He wants you to know your identity and purpose.
Jesus says, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (Jn. 13:15) Part of accepting your identity is to grab onto the baton He’s passing to you. Then, pass the baton on to others. Did you know His baton is the “identity baton?”
Of course, Jesus is a successful man. Confidently, He sets aside Himself to communicate God’s values, as well as God’s assessment of your value.
Amazingly, Jesus invites you to come close. Actually, Scripture says He wants you to “. . . rally to Him . . . [to] His resting place . . .” (Is. 11:10) Essentially, part of your identity is to rally and rest in Him as you manage each day.
Indeed, living close to Jesus is where you learn the “pass the baton” maneuver. Jesus passes the “identity baton” to you. Do you receive it?
Subsequently, this means He wants you to know Him and yourself better – your identity and purpose. Remarkably, Jesus also invites you into His global purposes. Did you know this “global focus” is also part of your identity and purpose.
As you partner with Jesus, you learn more about your identity and purpose. So, partner with Him.
Signs – OR – Jesus
Significantly Jesus commits to meeting your needs. You don’t have to worry about it. Phil. 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”
Consider this story. Jesus performed an amazing miracle – to feed more than 5000 with a little boy’s lunch. After their need was met, a huge crowd followed Him. Why? Sadly, for more signs. Indeed, Jesus clarifies they were following Him for more signs – not for more of Him. Not in faith. And certainly not to become His disciples.
Basically, they weren’t interested in any baton-passing. Like you and me, they all had identity issues. Additionally, they needed to adopt their life purpose.
Reflectively, how many people simply want just Jesus? Without signs and wonders. Before He meets any needs. Just because He is the Redeemer God provides for your identity and life purpose.
Desiring Jesus is an indication of true commitment, honest love, and pure heart-longing.
Interestingly, the person who wants Jesus above and before all else, connects with their real identity. Additionally, they get to know Jesus for who He is. Plus, they begin to see signs and wonders they don’t realize are in regular daily living as they live with purpose.
Identity Markers
Here are some great “identity markers.”
Believe “all things were created by Him and for Him.” (Col. 1:16b) This includes you. You’re not a mistake. - Accept your high value to God. “. . .you are precious and honored in My sight . . . because I love you . . .” (Is 43:4) God highly esteems and loves you.
- Accepting Christ’s work on the cross. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith . . .” (Eph. 2:8) Jesus purchased you back. Your position is restored by grace.
- Child of your Heavenly Father. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 Jn. 3:1) Quite literally, you are God’s child!
- You have undeniable purpose. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession . . .” (1 Pet. 2:9a) Chosen, royal, holy. An heir. Take hold of the baton.
- Partner with God. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10) God has important work for you to accomplish.
- Keep growing to be like Jesus. “and so become more and more in every way like Christ . . .” (Eph. 4:15) Every day, you have the privilege to be more like Christ.
- Adopt a gentle and humble in heart. “. . . learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart . . .” (Mt. 11:29) Your character development starts with humility and is displayed with gentleness.
In summary, you are –
- Not a mistake.
- Highly esteemed and loved by God.
- Restored by grace.
- God’s child.
- Chosen, royal, holy. An heir.
- A partner with God.
- Privileged to become more like Christ.
- Called to humility and gentleness.
All these identity markers eliminate identity issues.
Darkness And Your Identity
Darkness sometimes covers you for various reasons. In fact, sometimes it’s so real. However, with God’s identity markers, you can confidently rally to Him and rest, particularly in your dark times.
Few people come near to God during darkness. Most keep their distance.
Exodus 20:18-21 is an intriguing passage.
“When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.”
Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid . . . the fear of God will be with you . . .”
The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.”
Protect Your Identity – Be Bold In Your Purpose
What a thought-provoking passage! Fear and troubles seem to eat away at your identity. Thus, folks remain at a distance from God. Only some approach Him in their thick darkness. Afterall, it’s much easier to “give in” to disappointment, discouragement, and even deceptions.
Heb. 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Essentially, you must protect your identity and purpose with boldness. Stay close to God in faith every day.
Ps. 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Yes, even in personal darkness. Boldly approach God’s throne. He wants to give you mercy and grace when you need it.
This! – is knowing your true identity and purpose.
Enemies Of Your Identity
The enemy forces know Jesus is THE LORD. And they cringe in His presence.
How is it the sons and daughters of men so easily miss Jesus each day – when demons recognize Him from a distance and address Him by His true identity? (Lk. 4:41; Mk. 5:1-17)
Actually, people get –
Out of focus.- Busy.
- Fretful.
- Fearful.
- Proud.
- Insecure.
- Preoccupied with their own plans.
- Oblivious to Christ’s power, glory, blessings, and compassion.
- Unengaged or uncommitted to relationships.
- Satisfied with trivial, short-term experiences that eliminate intimacy. (signs and wonders they keep pursuing)
- Lost in their identity and purpose.
To overcome your enemies, focus on Jesus who helps you become the person He designed. Simply put, explore your true identity and purpose.
Ask Jesus to –
- Expand your capacity for more of Him.
- Enable you to do the hard things that must be done.
- Make you honest and authentic. You have to do something here.
- Help you be humble and gentle.
Sealed Representative
Jesus is God’s “sealed representative.” Not only this, but He is also your representative. He intervenes in your daily life to strengthen and shield you. However, you must stay close to Him to claim those provisions.
Ps. 28:7 says, “The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in Him with all my heart.”
Did you catch the last phrase of that Scripture? “I trust Him with all my heart.“
Application Thoughts And Questions
Do you have any identity issues?- Have you found your true identity in Christ?
- In what ways do you work to stay close to Jesus?
- Additionally, have you accepted the “identity baton?”
- If you truly want just Jesus – for who He is – not signs and wonders, you can know He will meet all your needs. (Phil. 4:19)
- Do you trust Jesus “with all your heart?”
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