Who Am I - I Am a New Person

 

So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. (John 10:7–16 ESV).

 

Identity theft is a growing threat today. Scammers try to steal our personal information and gain access to our financial accounts. In the spirit world, another identity thief lurks as well. The master deceiver, Satan, tries to rob believers of the assurance of their new identity in Christ. He tries to sow seeds of doubt, despair, confusion, and insecurity within us. If he cannot possess us, the devil wants at least to wear us down and make us feel defeated, limiting our service for God and his kingdom.

 

But we are not alone. We have the presence of God in our hearts, and we have God’s Word to assure us and strengthen us with the truth. Jesus promises that we will have life to the full, and no one can snatch us out of his hand (John 10:28-30). The Lord and his Word remain our best protection, affirming that we are not defined by past successes or failures but only by our union with Christ. Through faith, we receive his righteousness and become the children of God. We are forgiven, cleansed, and commissioned to be his representatives in the world. As God’s handiwork, we are created to do good works that honor the Lord and bring blessing to others. As God reassures us through his Spirit and his Word, we are redeemed, beloved, and empowered to live out his purposes with confidence and grace each day.

 

Who Am I - I Am More than a Conqueror

 

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31–39 ESV).

 

In times of uncertainty and seeming chaos, it’s natural for people to seek out a strong leader to restore order and bring resolution. It may be a military hero, a political figure, or a charismatic leader. We often look to our own resources to bring stability to a volatile situation, don’t we? Yet when we discover the ultimate victor and King, Jesus Christ, we learn, as he states in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

In our reading today, the Apostle Paul gives us great detail about what this means in our lives. He says that through Christ's love, believers not only achieve victory, but overcome adversity with overwhelming triumph. Instead of simply surviving, God's power ensures that even the most difficult hardships serve a greater purpose. The original Greek word used by the Apostle Paul is hypernikōmen, meaning "super-conquerors" or complete victors. This means all our pain is repurposed to bring good in our lives. A standard conqueror defeats an enemy, but one who is more than a conqueror turns that opposition into a growth opportunity. It is also a product of God’s unconditional love. Paul concludes that neither trouble, hardship, nor death can separate believers from the love of God.

 

Through his triumph over sin and death, Jesus declares victory over every force that opposes God and his plan of restoration. His victory brings hope to believers, promising peace and triumph despite the trials and struggles they may endure. The victory Jesus won through his death and resurrection is now shared with his followers. Our identity in Christ transforms us into victors who have new, full life forever in Christ.

 

Who Am I - I Am a Friend of God

 

[Jesus said] “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” (John 15:9–17 ESV).

 

If you are my age you probably remember the televised escapades of Lucy and Ethel from the sitcom “I Love Lucy.” It was a staple in most homes beginning in 1951 and running for six season, though it has been in reruns for decades. It is still available through various streaming platforms. They were best friends and “partners in crime” throughout those years. It is still one of Mary’s favorites!

 

Having friends is a great blessing. Friends multiply our joys and divide our sorrows. Friends walk in when the rest of the world walks out. Friends know all about us, and they still love us anyway. Proverbs 18:24 notes that “a friend . . . sticks closer than a brother. In other words, a true friend can be relied upon and is always there for us.

 

The amazing thing is that Jesus, the Savior and King of creation, calls believers his friends. As believers in Christ, we are not just subjects or servants of the Lord of the universe; we are his friends. And he is loyal and true, sticking closer than a blood brother. In our reading today, Jesus explains that, like a true friend, he is transparent and open with us: “Everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” No secrets, no deception, no masks — just an open heart entrusted to his friends.

 

The truest sign of friendship is sacrificial love. Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus demonstrated this when he went to the cross to pay the price for all our sin. He considered friendship with us so important that he surrendered his very life in order to secure it. We are friends of God!

 

Who Am I - I Am Salt

 

[Jesus said] “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” (Matthew 5:13 ESV).

 

There are times when I am in the mood for a salty snack. I’m not picky, though it needs to be salty. In fact, I’ve been known to salt my watermelon as I think it enhances the flavor. All of us have some level of desire to use salt on our foods. That’s because when we add salt to snacks, vegetables, and other things we eat because it enhances the flavor. When Jesus used this metaphor in our reading today, He was illustrating the believer’s distinctive role in the world. He implied that we are to add a similarly positive influence on our surroundings, in a way like salt can.

 

Think of how salt enhances the flavor of foods, often making them tastier and more palatable. Christ’s presence within us can similarly add taste to life. Our presence can inject joy and zest into our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. We can help make gatherings and settings more pleasant, positive, and welcoming.

 

There are other uses of salt as well as a flavoring. Think of how salt can melt snow and ice. As Christ-followers, we can help to thaw the cold indifference that this world often portrays. God’s love, which fills us and overflows from us, has the power to soften hardened hearts, thaw frozen relationships, and dissolve disagreements.

 

In addition, salt serves as a preservative. Before we had refrigeration, salt was the primary method of preserving perishable foods. Similarly, we can help to turn back the corrosive effects of sin in the world. As followers of Jesus, we can bring God’s healing, regenerative power to bear on all kinds of situations.

 

No wonder calls us to be “salt” in the world. It is a part of who we are. We must use this part of our character to impact our world!

 

Who Am I - I Am a Light

 

[Jesus said] “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14–16 ESV).

 

The picture I’ve attached (created by ChatGPT) is a very accurate view of the Parker County Courthouse in the center of Weatherford, Texas. While it is not “on a hill,” it can clearly be seen from our house which is about ten miles south of it. Of course, to see the details binoculars are a necessary tool; however, the lights of the courthouse and surrounding buildings are unmistakable from our vantage point. We are located on a bit of a hill that overlooks the city. It is especially beautiful on a clear night.

 

When we are born again in Jesus, by his Spirit, we undergo a transformation. Our spiritual life is changed as we become new creatures in Christ. As new creations, we transition from being self-serving to being self-giving. We radiate the light and life of Jesus wherever we go. In our reading today, Jesus uses a simple yet profound metaphor in “light.” He is illustrating this personal transformation and the new role we take on in our daily living. Light is life-giving. It brings warmth, energy, and clarity to any situation. When Jesus’ power flows through us, we become a catalyst for positive change in our surroundings.

 

This doesn’t mean we are like the sun—generating light on our own. We are more like the moon, reflecting the light of Jesus so that others don’t have to stumble in the darkness of this world.

 

However, if we hide our light under a bowl, if we try to keep Jesus to ourselves, we make ourselves ineffective. And, worse, people will remain stuck in darkness, blinded by sin. For the sake of the world that Jesus came to save, we need to break out of our holy huddles and shine brightly for Jesus.

 

Who Am I - I Am a Branch

 

[Jesus said] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:1–8 ESV).

 

Have you ever seen the damage to trees after a heavy windstorm? Limbs and branches are often strewn about the landscape, and some land on houses and cars, causing even more damage. Often those branches still have healthy-looking leaves and fruit, but we know they will soon die. When a branch is severed from the main trunk, its vitality is lost. Its lifeline is gone. Its leaves will wither and die, and its fruit will decay.

 

Jesus conveys a similar message in our reading today, saying, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” He helps us to see that if we break away from him—the true vine—we will not have his spiritual life in us. Though we may appear vibrant for a while, we will lack the capacity to produce spiritual life, health, or fruit on our own. Only if we stay connected to Jesus can we bear spiritual fruit that endures.

 

The main function of a vine such as a grapevine is to bear fruit. And fruit-bearing sums up our purpose as followers of Jesus. In fact, Jesus explains that every branch that bears no fruit will be cut off. But with his Spirit living in us, we will yield fruit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (cf.  Galatians 5:22-23). This is our calling; this is a vital part of who we are.

 

Who Am I - I Am a Witness

 

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. (Acts 1:6–9 ESV).

 

Before going back to heaven, Jesus called each of his followers to be a witness for him. A witness is someone who can attest to what they have seen or experienced personally. This calling applies to all of us who follow Jesus today as well. We are called to be reliable witnesses, sharing with others the grace of God that we have personally witnessed and experienced in our lives. This lies at the heart of our identity as followers of Christ.

 

The task that Jesus has entrusted to us is to carry his life-saving message wherever we go. This magnificent, global mission began with Jesus’ first-century followers, and it continues with his 21st-century followers today.

 

Empowered by his Spirit, we have a story to tell and a life-altering encounter to share. While others may have doubts about the Bible’s teaching or quibble about theology, they cannot refute our personal experience. They cannot change what we know to be true about God’s work in our hearts and lives.

 

Jesus recognized that a transformed life becomes an unstoppable force for good and for God in this world. To the people around you, there is no one better positioned to testify to the life-changing power of God than you.

 

Think of a story you can share with someone about the Lord’s work in your life. Whom will you tell today? This is a part of who we are!