JESUS' TRUE IDENTITY IS CAUSE FOR REJOICING

In His holiness, His love, and His deity, Jesus gives us good reason to both fear and rejoice. He is the only One we can truly call awesome. We take joy in His power and love.

Eternal Perspectives     by Sally Bair

Who is Jesus?

Our names reveal many facets of us. If you want to know who I am, I’ll tell you I’m Sally Bair, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, author, speaker, teacher of many things, nature-lover, gardener and quilt maker. Some of my identities may change as I age and as my interests change. 

           

The name of Jesus brings all sorts of responses. Some believe it’s politically incorrect to use His name, others are embarrassed by His name, and many use it as an expletive—even some atheists.

So … who is Jesus? He told His disciples, “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.” (John 14:11) His “works” testify to His oneness with the Father. He is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

When Moses was commissioned by God to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt, he wondered how to tell the people God’s name. “And God said to Moses, ‘I AM who I AM … thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14) God’s Son also called Himself I AM.

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger ….” (John 6:35) Like the manna God gave the Israelites in the wilderness, Jesus feeds us and sustains our spirit—not only daily but permanently.

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12) This is good news for the discouraged, the worried, the guilty and the sick—now and forever.

“I am the door of the sheep … if anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:7-8) No one can enter His Kingdom except through Jesus. He gives us freedom to dwell in peace with Him now and forever.

“I am the good shepherd … who gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees … because he does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” (John 10:11-14)  Jesus willingly died to save us, offering us entrance to His Kingdom now and forever.    

Lord, thank You for being our I AM. Bring us to a daily recognition and acceptance of Your holiness, Your provision and guidance, and Your eternal Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.