Identity Crisis?
“I know where I come from and where I am going”
John 8 12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.” 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going.
Where do you come from? I'm just back from a week's break in the beautiful Scottish Borders where I grew up (why didn't I appreciate the beauty growing up?). It was lovely to have time to revisit some familiar places, spend time with family and even bump into some old friends whom I've known from my childhood.
Where am I from? Well, normally I would have answered Galashiels or the Borders! But after hearing Christopher Ash teach from John 8 at the EMA conference a few years back, I was reminded of Jesus’ answer to this question; he says I am from “the Father who sent me” (v 16, 18, 23, 26, 29).
Jesus defines himself, not in terms of time or place, but in terms of relationship and purpose.
Because Jesus was obedient in carrying out His purpose in redeeming us, we too can define ourselves in these terms. We are in Christ. We belong to God. We are His children. We are heirs with Christ, We are His bride, His friends, His beloved.
We also have a new purpose to identify ourselves by; we are God’s coworkers, His ambassadors, His body, His image bearers. We are called to glorify God in whatever situation we find ourselves in.
What a challenge to think of ourselves in this way!
Jesus says “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Following Christ includes accepting and enjoying the new identity He has given us.
So, where am I from? Much as I love the Borders, I am SO glad to be able to answer that question in relation to my new identity in Christ!
