“And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know but who are ye? “ – Acts 19:15 (KJV).
Jesus once asked his disciples who they thought he was. The people had different opinion of the identity of Jesus. Some said he is one of the prophets, others said he is Elijah and still others said he is John the Baptist, but Peter caught the revelation of Jesus as the Christ. When Jesus was asked about his identity he admitted that he was a king but that his kingdom was not of this world. He had a clear identity of himself and his mission on earth.
Amazingly today, most people do not have a clear identity of themselves. They suffer identity crisis, so rather than be themselves and find joy, acceptance and fulfillment in who God has created them to be, they try to be someone else. Unknown to them is the fact that our joy and fulfillment lie in self-discovery and understanding of our life assignment. Such identity crisis creates confusion and inconsistency because such people try to be like every one that trips their fancy. The best they can be is a photocopy or imitation of others.
Christ discovery is the key to self-discovery because the Holy Spirit and the word will help us to discover who we are and what we are created to do. “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the almighty giveth them understanding” Job 32:8 (KJV). In his light, we see light. Until we understand who we are, we cannot live or manifest our full potentials.
When he was asked by the priest and Levites about his identity if he was the Christ, the Messiah, John the Baptist answered, I am not the Christ. And they asked him what then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that Prophet? And he answered no, “Then said they unto him, who art thou? That we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? “Jn 1:22 (KJV). Hear his reply, “He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias” Jn 1:23 (KJV). He was not guessing, it was clear to him what his identity is. Elijah had a clear identity of himself. Paul had a clear identity of himself and his life assignment and he was focused to fulfill it. Not even the imprisonment, cruel beatings or persecution could shake his conviction. He was fully persuaded. In the midst of life threatening storm he could say, the Lord whose I am and whom I serve has assured me that there will be no loss of any life.
Jesus read from the scriptures what was written about him. He knew that the Lord has anointed him as the Messiah, the Christ to heal broken hearts and bring deliverance to the captives (Lk 4:18).
When asked, but who are you? The seven sons of Sceva could not state their identity, the reason being that they have no relationship with Jesus even though they tried to use his name to cast out devils. Do you know your true identity?
Prayer: Oh God, give me a clear sense of my identity in Christ.
Rev. Vincent Diolu