Identity, Labels, and Purpose

As I sat to write this morning’s devo, one paragraph morphed into an entirely different thought pattern. It is my hopes that today’s devo will better explain what I sought to share on Sunday. However, you will have to pay close attention to my line of thought to grasp the essence of what I find in Acts 11:19-26. Prayerfully take your time through today’s devo. It’s challenging and changing.

Aloha,
Allen

Thoughts
For a period in middle/high school I was desperate for a nickname. I longed for identity and wanted a nickname that made me unique and/or special. Clearly, it was my struggle to find my purpose and place in a big world. Unfortunately, I fear the struggle was/is not limited to me. And, an even greater fear is that it doesn’t always end after high school.

Throughout life we seek labels, categories, hobbies, sports, and possessions to define our purpose and identity. Many have adopted the label ‘Christian‘ because it gives them a category in which to identify themselves. However, categories, nicknames, and labels do not give us our identity. While they may stem from our identity, it is our identity that gives us our purpose and our purpose warrants labels.

When the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch, it was not because they went to Antioch to find themselves or that they desired a nickname for themselves. The disciples went to Antioch with an identity and they were committed to being who they were. They had been radically transformed by Christ and were empowered witnesses of the things they had seen and heard concerning Him. In the end, they were labeled because of their identity and not because they were in search of their identity.

Each week churches are filled with people seeking purpose for their lives. In the process, they adopt a nickname, Christian, in hopes that their new label will give them their identity. Thus, we have created a culture of referring to ourselves by a label, namely Christian, in hopes that we will find our identity. While there’s nothing wrong with the label Christian, it does not give us our identity nor does it impart into us our purpose.

In Antioch, known as the second wickedest city of its day, the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). Thankfully they were not waiting for a title to give them their identity or purpose. Rather, they knew who they were (witnesses of the transforming grace of Jesus Christ), lived their lives with that purpose in mind, and were given a label that characterized their mission. We must note that their label did not dictate their mission or purpose. Purpose flows from our identity.

It is interesting to see that the label we cling to is used only three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16). Perhaps, our struggle in American churches is not so much that the world is so unacceptable of our label. Maybe our struggle is that we are more concerned with our label than we are about our identity and purpose. You can call me what you want, but it doesn’t change who I am.

Application
Have you ever allowed a label to determine your identity?

If identity gives us our purpose, what should we be more passionate about: discovering who we are or defending what people call us?

Are you called a Christian because you are fulfilling your purpose as a witness of Jesus Christ’s transformation (identity)? Or because you are seeking to gain your purpose from the label?

Prayer
Father,

I have been so challenged by today’s thought. Thinking back over my life, I have desired a label that would impart identity and meaning in my life. All along You have desired to reveal who I am in You. Who I am in You answers the question, “Why I exist?” Today, I long to delve into understanding who I am in order that I may find out why I exist. While a label may describe that, it cannot impart that. May the world call me a Christian because I am being who I am.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hand of the Lord

As I made my way to the office this morning, I was greeted with a beautiful rainbow. It seemed to be just the reminder I needed. That gentle nudge that says, “I am in control of all situations in your life today.” Regardless of what you’re going through today, Remember that our God is seated above the earth and above your situation. Hold on to His promises and unfailing love. May you enjoy today’s thought about the significance of His hand in our lives.

Aloha,
allen

Thoughts
Just prior to moving to the islands in 2001, I encountered Ezra 7. On multiple occasions within this chapter the author makes the remark that “the hand of the Lord” was with Ezra. Ultimately, it became the topic of my first sermon in Hawaii.

Just a few weeks ago, prior to preparing for Acts 11, I revisited those words of Ezra 7. This simple phrase has been a source of strength and encouragement to me over the years. I will never be able to adequately or appropriately describe what it means for the “hand of the Lord” to be with us or upon us. I am not sure that entire commentaries could describe the blessings, favor, and strength that are contained within those few short verses.

Nevertheless, here’s what I do understand about the hand of the Lord in Scripture:

• It is not always for or with, but sometimes against. (Ex. 9:3, Dt. 2:15)

                - As seen in the Israelites struggle with Pharaoh and the Egyptians, God’s hand is not always just for or with His people, but can also be against those unwilling to submit to His ways. In this sense His hand is the antithesis of what it suggests in Acts 11:21 and the passages mentioned below.

• It is associated with God’s favor. (Ez. 7:8)

                - From Ezra to the disciples in Acts 11, there is a divine favor associated with God’s hand. When His hand is mentioned to be with, on, or for someone it generally speaks of His presence and blessings upon them. In Ezra’s case, the king granted him everything he had requested for the work of the Lord in Jerusalem.

• It is a sign (or source) of God’s strength. (Ps. 118:15,16)

                - The psalmist and others identified the hand of the Lord with God’s power. In Psalm 118 the Lord’s right hand “does valiantly.” In this particular psalm, the psalmist recognizes discipline and difficulties without denying the staying power of the Lord’s hand.

• It is an active part of one’s ministry. (cf. Ezra 7, Ezekiel 1, Acts 11)

                - One cannot read the accounts of Ezra, Ezekiel, or the disciples in Antioch and without acknowledging the connection between the “hand of the Lord” and their ministry. Of the references to the “hand of the Lord” in Scripture, no individual is as frequently connected to the term as is the prophet Ezekiel. It’s as if his ministry depended upon the “hand of the Lord” (tongue in cheek). Or as if the disciples’ ministry depended upon it. Or Ezra’s ministry depended…

I suppose you’re beginning to catch the gist. We must have the hand of the Lord with, on, and for us. None of us are able to stand without it. It testifies of our God’s favor, strength, and ministry in our lives.

Application
Of the associated passages referring to the “hand of the Lord” which do you feel most prevalent in this season of your life?

Have you ever experienced the wrath of having God’s hand against you? Why? What was it like?

If you haven’t already, ask God to place His hand upon you and lead you into the ministry He has for you today.

Prayer
Father,

I desire Your hand upon me. Today I have seen yet again what it means to have Your hand upon me. You grant unto me strength, favor, and fruitfulness with Your hand. In my life I long to see others come to know You. May You place Your hand upon me as I yield myself to You.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Gospel Works

I’m feeling encouraged to write this morning. LOL It’s been a crazy season of scheduling and motivation, but this morning I am prioritizing the first and feeling the second. So here’s a whirl at week of daily devos. This week we’ll be looking at Acts 11, when the disciples were first called “Christians.” May your day be filled with God…

Aloha,
Allen

Thoughts
There are so many challenging thoughts that arise out of Acts 11 and the introduction of the label that we now cling to. It’s a bit ironic that our label of choice, “Christian”, is one given to “us” by unbelievers and used only 3 times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28, 1 Pet. 4:16). Whereas the early Church commonly referred to themselves as believers, disciples, brothers, saints, and the like, we are most likely to reference ourselves as Christians.

Certainly, there is nothing wrong with a label that easily identifies us with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. However, there were reasons that these men and women were called Christian. Primarily, it was because they were living in solidarity to and converting others to the teachings of Jesus Christ, namely the Gospel. Thus, it was the impact they were making that merited the label which identified them with their mission.

These pioneers, first called Christians in Antioch, revealed that the Gospel of Jesus Christ works. Scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen’s martyrdom, the believers reached Antioch. Once they arrived they immediately began their work of sharing the Gospel—salvation through Jesus Christ. It seems the majority kept their conversations among the Jews. However, there were a few daring individuals that chose to present Christ to the Gentiles. And, it worked!

Despite being a metropolitan, fast-paced, wealthy society, the Gospel proved to be effective in Antioch. The third largest city of its time, Antioch was filled with politics, pagan worship, and prosperity. From many accounts it would seem the inhabitants of Antioch neither needed, nor were interested in Jesus. But such was not the case. They gravitated toward the Savior and the Gospel proved that it works for all ages, races, and socio-economic statuses. Jesus saves!

Though history has proven that a number of movements have grown out of poorer people groups and rural settings, we must never limit the power of the Gospel to those settings. In Antioch, the Gospel revealed its strength to save. The power of our message is as mighty in New York as it is in Africa. It saves lawyers as well as it saves the lawless. May we believe it enough to share it with those unlike us and not reserve it for the walls of the church. They were first called Christians in Antioch…because they dared to share what they believed—the Gospel!

Application
If the disciples were first called Christians because they were sharing their faith, rather than just attending a church, would there be enough evidence to label you a Christian?

It is always easier to share our faith with someone who believes like us. Would you be like the believers in Acts 11:19 or 11:20? The first shared with like-minded people. The latter with those whose belief system was starkly opposed to theirs.

Is it true that we have certain limits we put on the Gospel? (i.e., only for people in need, people in difficult situations, etc.)

Prayer
Father,

I am so thankful that Your Gospel—Jesus came, died, and rose again—has the power to set all men free. It has set me free. I am challenged by the way in which the believers of Acts 11 engaged culture, despite its opposing values and ways, with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They dared to trust the Gospel and they saw results—Your hand was upon them and many believed. May the world call me a Christian not because I go to church, but because I live in solidarity with and covert others to Jesus Christ.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

His Purpose, Not Your Project

It’s Aloha Friday! That means the weekend is just hours away. As you go throughout your day and weekend, may you remember the purpose for which Christ had redeemed you. He has a plan for your life. Let’s bear fruit for Him.

For those in Hilo, I hope to see you this weekend. We will be delving into Acts 10. Familiarize yourself with it and let’s get ready for God to do something great.

Aloha,
Allen

Thoughts
Growing up I don’t recall ever going to a garage sale. For one, no one in our neighborhood had a garage. And, if they did, they probably didn’t want people in it. So, I had some life lessons to learn when I worked alongside a ‘professional’ garage saler in Tennessee. T Bandy (his real name) was part of the world’s longest garage sale, stretching through two states. He took it seriously.

In his life, T Bandy has redeemed the lives of more tools, clothes, and otherwise unwanted items than one can possibly imagine. And, for everything he redeemed he had a purpose and a plan. His eye was trained for how each item could be restored and made useful again.

There’s a lot to unpack spiritually from T Bandy. It seems he might have learned some lessons from the greatest Redeemer. Isn’t it just like God?! Though He’s not a rummager, He sifts through life’s mistakes, broken pieces, shattered dreams, and disfunction for a people He can use for His purpose and plan. He has a way of using every life to fulfill a part of His plan.

I find it arresting that one of the first things the resurrected Savior says to Saul in his Damascus road encounter is “Get up and go into Damascus for I will show you what you must do.” God had a plan for Saul. He would take all of his failures, blunders, and boneheaded decisions and transform him (and them) into Paul, one of His greatest apostles.

God has spared us all from the rubbish den called Hell. But He hasn’t saved us for nothing. He has spared us because He loves us and has a purpose for our lives. We are a tool He is using to build this thing called His Kingdom.

Our challenge is to not accept His redemption and then selfishly work on our own project. We tend to get upset when God’s purpose messes with our projects. We love projects that include His blessing, prosperity, comfort, etc. However, the apostle was told ‘how much he must suffer for Christ’s sake’. When you’re challenged in the future, don’t get upset at the Redeemer. He saved you for His purpose, not your pet project.

Application:
How has God used your mistakes, mishaps, and miseries for His purpose?

Have you ever focused more on your projects than God’s purpose? What is your focus right now?

Do you know God’s plan for your life? If not, are you asking Him for it?

Prayer
Father,

Thank You for redeeming me. Seeing past my failures and disfunction, You saw something for which You could use me. Today, I ask that You would continually refine me for Your work. As my mind and motives drift toward my projects, may You return my focus to Your purpose. You have chosen me and You desire that I bear fruit for You (Jn. 15:16). And, I long to honor You.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.