Bible Reading: Ezekiel 22,23: 1 Peter 1
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. Elect according to the fore-knowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace and peace, be multiplied.” 1 Peter 1:1-2 (KJV)
Identity is so important in life and we jealously guard our identity in order not to be tampered with. We all have in life certain image of ourselves, our beliefs about the kind of persons we are. Having a strong sense of identity seems so desirable, something that brings comfort and security. Identity helps us to make decisions and to know how to behave. We, however, know that we have some people who have false estimation of themselves and thus lost their identity. This unfortunate scenario is not only limited to those who are outside the fold but also prevalent among the people who are also within the fold. There are times when there is identity theft. Some believers are as well caught in this web.
Peter, the apostle, decided to clarify issues of identity with his audience in order for them to know who they were any time. Firstly, he let us see that the message was for the strangers who scattered to several parts of the world. I need to remind you as well that you are a stranger in the world. Never let this fact slip out of your mind at anytime. Once you have the full grasp of this, it shall help you to know how you should behave among the people of God. David did not delude himself, he said: “I am a stranger in the earth…” Psalm 119:19 (KJV).
Another identity truth that is made known to them is that, they are God’s elect according to the foreknowledge of the Father. The question you should ask yourself now is that, are you now among the elect? Have you been sanctified from all forms of iniquities? If you cannot answer in the affirmative, then you need to take advantage of the fact that, you are still alive now and do the right thing before it is too late. Allow the blood of Jesus Christ to do a thorough washing of your life now. There is no alternative to this, brethren. This washing shall then provoke you to a greater level of obedience which is expected from the true disciples of Jesus Christ. “God the Father chose you long ago, and the Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you obeyed Jesus Christ and cleansed by his blood” 1 Peter 1:2 (NLT).
You are warned whoever you are, do not forget who you are, a stranger and an elect of God, if indeed you have become one. Guard this jealously and make sure you move daily with God in obedience to Him. I pray for you that, your identity shall not get lost till we see Him face-to-face in Jesus Christ name.
Prayer: O Lord, help me not to forget who I am on this side of eternity in Jesus Christ name.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo