Identity

Hi sisters!

In an age when everything about one’s identity is in question, the following quiet time seems ever more relevant. Back in April, I was reading through Leviticus and Isaiah.

Pause, I have to take a moment to be a total Bible nerd. Leviticus is a book written by Moses and Isaiah is a Prophet book. When you read the New Testament and see references to the “Law of Moses” and the “Prophets,” the writer is referencing what we now call our Old Testament. There are plenty of Scriptures to show this, but I will use these two, Luke 24:27 and Acts 28:23.

(Jesus speaking) “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.“

“From morning till evening [Paul] expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.“

Therefore, we need the Old Testament (all of it) to help us understand Jesus and the Kingdom of God. The Gospel is also a story. Jesus found it necessary to use books of Moses, like Leviticus, and Prophet books, like Isaiah, to explain Himself. Paul also found it necessary to use these to explain the Kingdom and Jesus. To take it one step further, Jesus told a parable found in Luke 16 which claimed that if people do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they hear someone who rises from the dead! That’s ironic because that is exactly what Jesus was about to do.

With that said, it only makes sense that God would share so much with me in Leviticus and Isaiah. He is unfolding a story. God has designed all things and given breath to all life. In spite of humanity’s rebellion to usurp God and “rule” on their own terms, God has been setting up His Kingdom in the midst of the dysfunction. He started by calling one man (Abram; Abraham) and his wife (Sarai; Sarah) who He would bless in such a way that ALL nations would be blessed. This is God’s restoration plan to re-unite heaven and earth.

We know the nation which was formed was Israel. God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and entered into covenant with them. He gave them a new identity (kingdom of priests, etc.) and vocation (reflect God’s character, etc). He would be their God and they would be His people.

This is where I will pick up my quiet time thoughts. I will not re-type Isaiah 44 or Leviticus 19, so feel free to stop and read those first if you would like.

From Leviticus 19, I noticed that God said, “I am the LORD* your God” or “I am the LORD*” at least fifteen times! God makes a command and ends it with one of these phrases. What I am seeing about God is that His commands are rooted in who He is. God did not extend His power and grace to rescue Israel so they could chase their dreams. God also did not do this so he could have a whole bunch of people who only intellectually agreed He did some amazing acts once. God intended for His people (as He still does) to reflect His character. God’s people were meant to reflect God’s character not only by what they intellectually believed, but also by what they did! In Lev. 19, this includes acts such as: not making idols, serving the poor/vulnerable, keeping justice fair, being a good boss, loving your neighbor as yourself, not oppressing the vulnerable, etc.

This narrative of God’s people reflecting His image continues through the Scriptures. Jesus actually upped the bar on Leviticus 19:18 when He gave a new commandment in John 13:34-35. The purpose is so that others will recognize followers of Jesus. I Peter 1:13-2:12 is also a good cross reference to this theme.

From Isaiah 44, I made a list of every identity I saw for God’s people and then another list for God’s identity. Here goes:

For God’s people, we are:
formed in the womb by God
chosen by God
servants
witnesses
the LORD’s*

For God, He is:
King
Redeemer
LORD* of hosts
The first and last
Rock
There’s none like Him

Honestly, I did not write anything else down in my quiet time journal from Isaiah 44. I just reflected on these truths. I want God’s Word, which is solid and true, to shape my identity and shape my understanding of God. There’s simply too much confusion in our culture over identity. Yet, we sisters, can choose life. God defines our identity and instructs us how to live out that identity.

In summary, a big take away from this quiet time was: Reflect God’s character by doing. Reflection = Action
Another one was, let God define who I am and walk according it.

Lord God, our Rock, Redeemer, and King, who formed and made all things. Thank you for revealing who You are and revealing who we have been created to be. I pray I and my sisters choose life. May we reflect Your character in heart, mind, and action. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

*When God or Lord is written in all caps, it signifies that in Hebrew the name used is Yahweh.