MEMORISE
Then they said to him, "Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself? (John 1:22)
READ:
John 1:19-23
[19]. Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
[20]. He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”
[21]. And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”
[22]. Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”
[23]. He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”
EXPOSITION
Identity can be tricky because it is primarily personal. Nevertheless, several people are curious about others, especially, one who wields influence. The Jews who heard John the Baptist preach and were cut to their hearts, came, asking about his identity (Jn. 1:22). To them, his identity was somewhat confusing. They asked: *"Who are you? He confessed..., "I am not the Christ."..."What then? Are you Elijah? He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet? And he answered, "No."...He said: "I am The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Make straight the way of the LORD"* (Jn. 1:19-23).
Dear devout, who are you? What is your identity? Do you know that once you are in Christ Jesus, your identity has changed-no longer defined by your family background, culture, class, work, or human ideologies, rather than whom God says you are? (2 Cor. 5:17). But, hope your identity isn't questionable? Does what people say about you correspond with what you really are? That is the question of integrity! *But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart"* (1 Sam. 16:7).
When one is aware of true and unquestionable identity in Christ, and accept same, it creates a sense of belonging to God. This also connects you with other believers in Christ. Get it right now that you may be proud of your identity in Christ, anywhere. Who are you?
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 730
1. "Thine – Thine for ever" blessed: bond
That knits, us, Lord, to Thee;
May voice, and heart, and soul respond
Amen, so let it be.
2. When this world strikes its dulcet harp,
And earth our heav'n appears,
Be "Thine for ever," clean and sharp,
God's trumpet in our ears.
3. When sin in pleasure's soft disguise
Would work us deadliest harm,
May "Thine for ever" from the skies
Steal down, and break the charm.
4. When Satan flings his fiery darts
Against our weary shield,
May "Thine for ever" in our hearts
Forbid us faint or yield.
5. Thine all along the flow'ry spring,
Along the summer prime,
Till autumn fades in welcoming
The silver frost of time.
6. "Thine, Thine for ever," body, soul,
Henceforth devote to Thee,
While everlasting ages roll;
Amen, so let it be.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, let me know and understand my true identity in You, and uphold me, so that I will not lose my identity in You.
2. Lord Jesus, help me to carry the identity that points to You always.
3. Pray for CAC Hanson Region, our father in the Lord, the Superintendent, and its officers at the various levels, as led by the Spirit of God
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Nahum 3;
Habakkuk 1-3;
Zeph 1:1-13
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 TOPIC: QUESTIONABLE IDENTITY (I)){kind=link}