Identity In Love

                John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, was nicknamed the "son of thunder" when him and his brother, James, asked Jesus if they could call down fire from Heaven to destroy a city that did not accept their good news. This nickname was given to them by Jesus Christ Himself. The "sons of thunder" does not sound like the name given to someone who shows constant love, now does it? In fact, the nickname was far from a compliment or a reflection of love at all. Here is the crazy thing, though. After Jesus ascended, John became known as the "Disciple of Love." That sounds like a radical identity change, doesn't it?

                Well, it is; but what else can be expected when you have an encounter with the living God? Nothing short of radical should be expected. In fact, anything short of radical should be questioned. Now, here is the key to it all. John found his identity in the love that Jesus Christ has for him. He was transformed from a man of anger and worldliness into a man of love and compassion for others. It was by the love of Jesus Christ that this transformation was able to happen. This transformation happens today still.

                I am coming to realize more and more that the deeper we understand the love of Christ, the more radically our lives will become transformed. We all know John 3:16, and knowing that God loves the world is one thing. That's great. Christianity preaches love. Many can agree and like that idea. That's great and all; but when you realize that Jesus Christ came and died on the cross because He loves YOU, whoever you are, that is when your life changes. Until you realize the love that God has for you specifically, no matter what your past is like or what you're into, you will not be able to experience the radical life change that God has in store for you.

                A few weeks ago, February 13th, I posted "Sin And Sinners" to show us the depth of our sins. I give you this challenge: read that over, meditate on your own sinful nature, and then read Romans 5:8 ("But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were STILL SINNERS, Christ died for us."). Just meditate on this, and if you feel as if you have come to understand what it means to be a Christian and desire to follow Jesus Christ, just open up the book of John and start reading. God will guide you if you follow Him.

                May God bless you out of His deep love for you.


                                                                                                                                         -D