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"Behold, I have given you authority … and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:19-20).
For me, summer has always been the season for “road trips.” Even as a child, I helped my dad load up the car with a destination in mind. That destination was to see relatives — grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. As many of you know, this past June for me was one spent mostly on road trips. Now, frequently the destination was to see relatives — children and grandchildren, sisters and a brother, who are now themselves aunts and an uncle. And my mom, who now is a great-grandmother times fifteen!
In one way or another, all of these relationships speak to my identity. I’m a husband, father, son, grandfather, and uncle. I rejoice to be a member of an ever-growing family. Like all families, we have our “family issues.” However, despite this, we share together in a common faith that makes our unity in Christ and our “connectedness” by His forgiveness something we treasure.
In many ways this sounds like Christ’s followers gathered into His church. Our identities and roles are many. We take on titles, such as ushers and musicians, pastors, and people who sit four rows back on the pulpit-side of the sanctuary (or wherever you typically sit). You are a “churchgoer” and a friend. A neighbor and a citizen.
As Jesus once told His disciples, so He tells us, “Do not rejoice in this ... but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).
Scripture tells us that one day all these titles and our earthly identities will vanish and melt away. Only one thing will matter, and that is that your name has been written in His Book of Life. Your connection to Jesus, and your acceptance of all He has done for you through the grace and forgiveness of the Cross, will be what gives you your never-changing identity.
Don’t simply wait for that Day to come. Above all else, claim this as your identity now. After all, it’s the only one that really matters. Somehow in doing so, you will be a better member of your own family, and a better member in the household of faith.
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