Who Are You? – Revelation 19:1-10
I am God’s son.
I’m not quoting Jesus. I am speaking for myself. I, Rob Cummins, am God’s son. After having lived my first 23 years as a son of darkness, it has always been a joy to say this. Being adopted by the King of the Universe trumps every fairy tail. Condemned men are not only acquitted; they are made innocent! I pray that you too can make this claim with ease. If not, let’s talk.
After we have told others who we are, we can also be sensitive for that opportunity to give an account of our hope, as children of light. If our hope is attached to Jesus Christ, and him alone, our stories shine and bear repeating. If our hope is attached to nothing more than our lucky stars and good deeds, we should talk. Being born again, should be our topic. We were called to be lights to this world – high-wattage stories, developing in the public domain. He means to publish us.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck measure, but on the lamp stand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
Identifying ourselves publicly as Christ’s was not meant to be a one-off event occuring at our baptism. Our public profession of faith was intended to be the beginning of a life-long public identification with the invisible yet resurrected Son of God. It is the invisible part that makes the telling of our story a bit intimidating, isn’t it?
Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words. Francis of Assisi
I could not agree more but I don’t think the good monk’s intention was to silence our voices. The apostle Peter seemed to understand it was a matter of both words and deeds.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the exellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ….Beloved I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent ….so that….they may, on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2 :9-12
Today’s passage speaks of the Marriage of the Lamb, that day of visitation where the sheep have already been separated from the goats. On this day, the sojourners will be evident, those strangers to this world, who were looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. There will also be those who are conspicuously absent, those who maintained their friendship with the world. We really do need to know who we are, and make ourselves known.
Every one therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. (Matt 10:33)
For whoever is ashamed of me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. (Mark 8:38)
If this word makes you uncomfortable, be encouraged. Truth is just doing what Truth does. At certain places in our journey, becoming uncomfortable with our lives (or even shaken in them) is evidence of a new work of the Holy Spirit. The birthing of new things is painful for a season, yet worth it, eternally.
His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it – no matter what. Hebrews 4:12 MSG
Father, lay us bare in the light of your truth so that we may change our attire if necessary or fill our lamps in preparation for the celebration ahead. In Jesus Name. Amen.