He was the cousin of the only son of God. His own purpose was God given and prophesied about: “to make straight the way of the Lord” (John 1:23).And yet he was still humble.
And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” ~ John 1:19-22
John the Baptist was terse, succinct and certain in his responses. Often when we are trying to figure out who we are, it is immensely helpful to know first who we are not.
He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” (John 1:23).
When asked with who he was, John answers not with platitudes nor political connections. He does not list his achievements nor his talents. He answers with scripture. And though we may not have a direct prophecy written specifically for our lives, we too can find our identity through scripture.
Who am I?
I am a new creation
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
I am God’s child
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ~ John 1:12
I am an heir of God
And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. ~ Romans 8:17
I am His workmanship
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. ~ Ephesians 2:10
I am more than a conqueror (through Christ)
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ~ Romans 8:37
I am God’s beloved, chosen one
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience ~ Colossians 3:12
Beloved, are you feeling lost? Find your reassurances, your new identity in the One who loves you most.
Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash
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