United in Christ
Yesterday we saw that Gideon’s view of himself, his identity, was wrapped up in what he perceived about his abilities and about his place in his tribe, Manasseh. He did not see himself as a “mighty man of valor” as the Lord proclaimed. The promise and presence of the Lord did not change his view of himself or his availability. Gideon would have called himself an Israelite and part of the people of God, but these would not be factored into his view of his availability. In fact, I would posit that Gideon viewed the Lord God from afar and not part of his identity. The works of God were separate from who he saw himself to be. Yet, all that God did was for His own glory as He provided for and protected the people of Israel.
Growing up there were the occasions where we would “pit” the strengths and abilities of our dads against each other. I always viewed myself as a ‘little Ron” (my dad’s name also was Ron ) and whatever my dad could do not only reflected on me, but helped establish who I was in my own eyes. I remember often my dad expressing that “this is who and how we are as Tiptons” when teaching me or answering questions about why we did certain things. I believe my heavenly Father does the same thing, if I will but listen and follow.
Some of the things God tells us in His Word about who we are and how we are to identify ourselves are:
- I am adopted into God’s family (Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:14-19, Galatians 4:5-7, Psalm 27:10 )
- I am a child to the King of Kings (1 Peter 2:9, Galatians 4:5-7, John 1:12, Romans 8:14-19)
- I am passionately loved (Romans 8:38, Psalm 56:8, Isaiah 43:4)
- I am a new person in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, Isaiah 43:18-19)
- I am valuable (1 Peter 1:18-19, John 3:16, Psalm 56:8)
- I am chosen (John 15:16, 1 Peter 2:9, Ephesians 1: 4)
- I am courageous (Deuteronomy 31:6, 2 Timothy 1:7)
- I am a conqueror (Romans 8:37, Deuteronomy 20:4, 1 Corinthians 15:57)
- I am forgiven (1 John 1:9, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 3:13)
- I am accepted (Romans 15:7, Romans 8:14-19, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:3-6, Colossians 1:21-22)
- I have a future (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, Philippians 1:6)
- I am at peace (Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 23, Mathew 6, Psalm 94: 19)
Baptism is our identification with Christ. It is our declaration of what God has done inside us, to us, and for us in saving us from our sins. It is stating, without shame or reticence, that Jesus is Lord of my life. And with that identification comes all that God says, does and bestows on His children.
This Wednesday will be Amy and my 37th anniversary of the day we vowed and declared, “you are mine and I am yours.” That day and that declaration altered our identities as individuals and as a couple. I many times use a picture of their parents wedding as an example of baptism; a declaration of unification, a vow of commitment and an altering of who they were apart but now are so different together. Being united in Christ through His salvation of us will bring the same if we are truly saved and surrendered to the Lord.
Pressing on…
Ron Tipton, Senior Pastor
