Your Identity: Sent
These days identity is a hot topic. Do you get to choose yours? Who defines your identity? Is it up to the mind or the body to decide? It’s not really a new debate; it’s just a different chapter of the age-old question, “who am I, really?”
For most of us it’s been more of an internal journey. At times, I’ve tried to curate a facade to portray to others as my identity, but thankfully, God has led me to understand that as the Creator, he is the giver of my identity!
There are many descriptions of human beings in the Bible. We know we are made in God’s image. We know we are very good. We see that God calls his people beloved, chosen, new creations, and fearfully & wonderfully made, to name a few.
So what’s our identity not just our description? Who are we really? When Jesus first appears to the disciples after he is resurrected, he gives them their identity: you are Sent! In John 20:21, Jesus tells them, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” He goes on to give them the power of the Holy Spirit and tells them what they are bringing to people: “forgiveness!”
In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus gives more understanding to this Sent identity. He says, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always....”
Who are you really? You are Sent. Meaning, your identity and role in this world is: Ambassador of Jesus. You are sent to others in His power & authority, not in your own. You are a peace maker, and your aim is to bring people to a place of reconciliation with each other and with God. You bring the Shalom of Jesus.
You are Sent, according to Ephesians 2:10, as “God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
That is not a confusing identity. It’s one that gives each of us meaning and purpose. It’s filled with love and hope. It’s not one we have to agonize over or question. We can live into this identity knowing that Jesus was first sent to us, in love, compassion, power and mercy. Now go and do likewise!
