Category:

identity

God’s Special People

by Esther Griggs October 13, 2023

Today we reflect on Peter’s address about being God’s special people. As a new creation, born into the family of God, old things have passed away and all things become new. Peter speaks to the old things, describes the new reality, and proclaims the believers new identity.

Jesus our cornerstone, the cornerstone of God’s House.

Old Things

Peter, like the writer to the Hebrews, states that certain things must be left behind. They are part of the old life and have no place in the new. What things are they? These are characteristics that don’t line up with being children of our Father who is love. He lists malice which is the desire to hurt someone, all guile which is being duplicitous in the attaining of goals, hypocrisy, saying one thing and living another, envy, wanting someone else’s good things, and all evil speaking. Peter says “laying aside.” It is a process of putting these behaviours away.

New Reality

Instead, he writes, if you have tasted that God is gracious, long for God’s word the way a new baby wants milk so you can grow up into Him. You are different. You have come to a living stone, “the chief cornerstone”. Though chosen by God and precious, He is the starting place of God’s house despite His rejection by men. You also are like living stones being built together into a “spiritual house” a “holy priesthood” for the purpose of offering spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God, through Jesus Christ.

New Identity

He furthers speaks to the believer’s new identity. You are “a chosen generation, a holy priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.” Your purpose is to proclaim His praises. He is who called you “out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Now you are God’s people when you were not a people. You have now obtained mercy when you had not experienced mercy before.

Put away the old ways, they don’t fit your new life. Don’t be disobedient to the word and stumble. You have a position within a new reality. You are a new creation being built up in the Lord Jesus for the praise of God. You have experienced mercy and become people of God.

Peter speaks still, to the old things, describing the new reality, and proclaiming the believers new identity.

October 13, 2023 0 comment

Followers of Jesus identity Joy new creation Peter

Peter Writes a Letter

by Esther Griggs September 1, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

Having looked at the Epistles of John, we now turn our attention to the First Epistle of Peter. He identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. We know him from the gospels as a fisherman, a man whose faith was tested, who denied the Christ and was restored to the Kingdom of God. He writes his letter to the temporary residents of the scattering of the Jews to places like Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. He calls them elect in regards to three significant positions.

Position One

First they are elect according to the foreknowledge of God. They were already in God’s thoughts. He was the source, the One with the plan, who sees it through to its completion. Paul’s writing confirm this truth. In Ephesians 1:4 he wrote “He chose us before the foundations of the world.” Then in Romans he further writes, “For whom He foreknew.” God’s plan of salvation had long been in the works.

Position Two

Secondly, they are elect according to the sanctification of the Spirit. The helper came once Jesus departed. It is He who works in believers to set them apart for God’s work. the gospel came in the power of the Spirit, with much assurance and with joy.

Position Three

Thirdly, they are elect for a purpose, “for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus.” The prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesus, “So shall He sprinkle many nations, Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them, they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider.” Paul wrote in Romans 1:5, “through Him we received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all the nations for His name.” God’s plan gave great purpose. The apostle Peter calls them elect in regards to these three significant positions. This word still speaks.

September 1, 2023 0 comment

Cross of Christ identity Peter

I Am He

by Esther Griggs January 6, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

As we return to the Book of John, the betrayal confronts us. Jesus has crossed over the Brook Kidron and entered a garden. He knows what is ahead and is in complete control. It is however dark, and His disciples don’t have foreknowledge. They, in contrast, are sad, feeling lost and afraid, trying to comprehend all that He has been telling them. Jesus, however, faces the situation and does not lose sight of His identity, His purpose, or from where it came.

His Identity

Jesus knew His identity. Not only was He Jesus of Nazareth, He was the Son of God. He also knew He was standing before the one who had already betrayed Him and the power behind his actions. Only now, it was the working out of the betrayal. Judas came with a detachment of troops, officers from the religious leaders, lanterns, torches and weapons. Enough to scare anyone! What did Judas fear? Jesus in contrast came to him in absolute confidence and asked, ‘Whom are you seeking?’ Whether it was the darkness of the night or of the soul, they didn’t recognize Him, even though Judas stood among them. When they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ He answered boldly, ‘I am He.’ The power of the Living Word caused them to pull back and fall to the ground.

His Purpose

Knowing His purpose, Jesus asked them again. ‘Whom do you seek?’ When asked again, He tells them, ‘I am He.’ This time, intent on fulfilling the scripture, He asks them to let the disciples go. Then, there is Peter in the flesh, thinking he needs to protect Jesus. He takes on the fight and cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Jesus knows the cup of adversity which lies ahead of Him. It is the fulfillment of His purpose, and He brings Peter back to the purpose.

From Where it Came

“Put your sword into the sheath,” Jesus tells Peter. The soon to be Saviour of the world, had already hashed it out with His Father in prayer. He had asked for the cup to be removed. Nevertheless, He surrendered Himself to the will of the Father and could now say to Peter, “Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” In the middle of chaos, Jesus does not lose site of His identity, His purpose, or from where it came.

January 6, 2023 0 comment

identity Jesus' Teaching

Jesus Was Accused

by Esther Griggs March 18, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

Jesus continued to teach in the synagogue and the Pharisees continued to resist Him. They based their lives on an earthly system built on laws and traditions, rather than building a relationship with God the Father. This resulted in missing Jesus as the Son of God. Because Jesus towered over them in His knowledge and understanding, they continually discredited Him. In this passage the Pharisees accused Jesus, Jesus responded to their accusations and yet He remained untouched.

Accused

The Pharisees clung to their understanding of the laws of Moses. This caused them to accuse Jesus of giving a false witness, or in more precise terms, they called Him a liar. In the law of Moses, God protected an individual accused of a sin and destined to be stoned. He did so by requiring two or three witnesses to the event. The Pharisees used this law to discredit Jesus. They said He was His own witness.

Jesus Responded

Despite the Pharisees accusing Him, Jesus did not coddle this group. He spoke truth without backing down. First, He answered their accusation by stating His knowledge of where He came from, and where He was going. He declared that His confidence in this alone gave adequate witness. Meanwhile, the rules holding them secure, blinded them, and kept them imprisoned in their sins.

Then He answered differently. Jesus declared, “I am not alone,” and “The Father is with Me.” Yes, the law states that the testimony of two is true. Jesus bears witness of Himself which is one, and the Father, the One who sent Him, is the other. Thereby the law of two witnesses is fulfilled.

Remains Untouched

Although Jesus spoke in such a manner to them, and stirred up their anger, He remained untouched. No one laid a hand on Him. John writes this phrase often, “for His hour had not yet come.” The Father held the life of Jesus in His hands. Jesus lived each day under His Father’s watchful eye and for His purpose. Although the Pharisees accused Jesus, Jesus responded to their accusations and yet He remained untouched.

March 18, 2022 1 comment

Biblical History identity Preparing the way

The Way John Sees It

by Esther Griggs November 12, 2021

written by Esther Griggs

John has been preparing the way in the desert. Now in John chapter three we see his job is nearing its completion. Though John understands what is happening, his followers are concerned when they see Jesus taking His place. They are feeling threatened and fear for John as people begin to flock to this new spiritual leader. This is the way John sees it. With news of Jesus’ success, John is secure in his calling, understands the history of Jesus and knows the job Jesus must do.

Secure in His Calling

First we see that John is secure in his calling. Before John’s birth an angel approached his father Zacharias. This child would go in the power and spirit of Elijah to prepare a people ready to receive the Lord. John grew up knowing this call. The Spirit confirmed it. He reminds his followers of this role and used the illustration of a bridegroom. He was to announce His coming and at His arrival he would rejoice at the sound of His voice. Now with Jesus beginning His earthly mission, John would be stepping back. As Jesus increased, he would decrease.

The History of Jesus

Secondly he knew the history of Jesus. John grew up learning the prophecies about the Messiah. He knew Jesus was from above. We talk about where we are from. Those are the stories we know. Jesus is from heaven. He knows about heaven and so these are the topics He is confident to speak of. It places Him above all else. Just previously Jesus had relayed this same concept to Nicodemus.

The Job Jesus Must Do

Finally, John knew the job Jesus must do. Jesus came to speak the words of God. He was loved by God and God had given Him all things. He had given Him the Spirit who isn’t given by a cup or an ounce, but without measure. Further John tells them how believing in Jesus brings everlasting life. To not believe keeps them under the wrath of God. Here John is again confirming the truths that Jesus had shared with Nicodemus.

The things John had learned growing up about the Messiah, how his call would be to prepare the way, and the call of God to His Son Jesus, all came together and were confirmed to Him by the Holy Spirit. With the news of Jesus’ success, John is secure in his calling, understands the history of Jesus and knows the job Jesus must do

November 12, 2021 0 comment

identity Preparing the way

Who Are You?

by Esther Griggs September 3, 2021

written by Esther Griggs

In John 1: 19-28 we see the apostle John telling his readers about John’s testimony. This is the story John related. He spoke of his identity. There are those who question who he is, but John knows his calling. We learn his answer to the big question, “Who are You?” We read who asked the question and discover One greater than John.

Who Are You?

This question comes to us from others. It also comes from within. The enemy of our soul can also taunt us with the question. To this question John tells them first of all, who he is not. The Jewish people looked for a Messiah. John confesses, “I am not the Christ.” Then he further states that he is not the prophet Elijah, nor was he The Prophet. Instead, he says, “I am.” And then quotes the prophet Isaiah. “The voice,” “crying in the wilderness,” “make straight the way of the Lord.”

His statement is the word of God, spoken through the prophet Isaiah. It is rich in purpose. The defining of his identity rested in the revealed word of God and gave him his mission.

Who is asking?

We know from this passage that John’s message out in the wilderness caused a stir in the city of Jerusalem especially among the religious leaders. The priests, the Levites and those of the Pharisees, commissioned by the spiritually elite in Jerusalem, needed answers. Who was this guy? They were sent to find out . They also wanted to know what gave him the right to baptize with water, especially when he didn’t seem to have a position to warrant it. They needed to put him in a box to fit their religious understanding. He was messing in their territory.

The Greater One

Nevertheless, John’s identity and purpose, his authority, came from the Word. Among those who questioned, stood the Living Word. “There stands among you One you do not know.” Then he explains about the One who came after him yet superseded him. John isn’t even worthy to undo His sandal. In John’s way he communicates, “It’s not about me. It’s about this One you do not know. I am here to prepare the way.”

We, like this man, find our identity and our calling as we look to the Living Word. God may use us to prepare the way for someone else to recognize the Christ. There will always be those who do not understand who we are, nor our call. Yet what a blessing should the question of who we are in Christ, pave the way for those who ask, to learn of the One who is greater.

Thus, we read John’s answer to “Who are you?” Who asked the questions? and discover the greater One than John.

September 3, 2021 0 comment

Bible reflection identity

Chosen, Predestined, Accepted

by Esther Griggs May 15, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

Paul tells the Ephesians to bless God. Why? Because, through the Lord Jesus Christ, He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing that exists in the heavenly places. Then he says “just as”. He then points us to three fundamental truths about our relationship with God. He chose us, He predestined us, and He accepted us . God did it all through the person of Jesus Christ. It was done for the praise of the glory of His grace.

Chose

First we see that He has chosen us in Christ. Then we are told when He did so. It was long before any of us entered this world. It was before the foundation of the world. And, He had a specific purpose in mind. God wanted a people who were holy and without blame before Him in love. Long before God created mankind, He knew the cost. Father God knew He would ultimately be responsible for their being set apart for His purposes. He would also be responsible for their righteousness before Him. It would only come through the death and resurrection of His son.

Predestined

Next we are told that God predestined us to be adopted as His children. It could only happen through Jesus Christ. It was however according to the good pleasure of His will. He planned it to be this way. I like how Paul writes to the Galatians.

“But when the fullness of the time, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

God had it set out in His planner long before time even began.

Accepted

Finally, He made us accepted. Mankind’s disobedience created a schism between God and man. He is a Holy God. Therefore, very different from us. As a result, the schism made it impossible for God to accept us. Therefore, He made a way for us to be accepted. He accepted us in the Beloved. Remember when John baptized Jesus. God identified Jesus as His “Beloved Son” We are accepted in the Beloved. He did it for the praise of the glory of His grace. God’s grace, that favour we don’t deserve, is a glorious thing. One of His goals is that grace to be praised. He made us accepted so He could demonstrate His great and glorious grace.

Therefore, as a believer, should a thought enter, disguised as one of your own, questioning your identity, declare to that voice. I am chosen in Christ Jesus, God predestined me to be His child by Jesus Christ and He has accepted me in the Beloved. Thanks be to Jesus the Christ!

May 15, 2020 0 comment