"MASS-PRODUCED OR HANDMADE?"

Matthew 16:13-18
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14 They replied,"Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 "But what about you?" He asked."Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by My Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Always remember you are unique--just like everyone else." I have identified with this saying on many occasions, and you know what? I've thought of it most often in relation to my Christian life. Don't get me wrong, the Bible's statements about our "in Jesus"identity are so transforming. For instance:

* You and I were once guilty, broken, and dirty (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Now we're holy, restored, and clean (v.11; Colossians 1:22).

* We were once dead in sin. Now we're dead to sin and alive in Christ (Romans 6:11; Colossians 2:13).

* We were once alienated from God (Colossians 1:21). Now we're relatives of God (1 John 3:1) and strangers in the world (1 Peter 2:11).

Great stuff. Still, there have been times when I've thought, But that's true of every Christian. Doesn't anything make me truly unique? Does God mass-produce or handmake His followers?

In Matthew 16:13-18, Jesus asked the disciples who they believed He was. "You're the Christ, the Son of the living God," Simon Peter answered. Jesus affirmed his answer by saying, "This was not revealed to you by man, but by My Father in heaven." Then Jesus delivered a personal touch and told Peter that he would be a leader among the apostles in the early church.

Notice what happened? In discovering Jesus' identity, Peter discovered his own purpose. Our identity is the complete set of answers to the "Who am I?" question, the total package of beliefs we hold about our personality, abilities, relationships, background, and values. When we come to Jesus, He transforms us into new people. Yes, there are some essential characteristics that all Christians share. But to each of us He extends a personal touch. We are given unique gifts, callings, passions, and temperaments--each crafted by God from the earliest moments of our creation (Psalm 139:13-16), and, like Peter, from our personal encounters with Jesus.

No doubt about it, we're handmade. But we really discover who we are when we discover who He is. --Sheridan Voysey

DESTINATION POINTS

* How would I have felt standing in Simon Peter's sandals the dayJesus revealed his special identity?
* We discover who we are (and who we are not) as we discover more about Jesus. How well do I know Him?
* What aspect of His person and character do I long to know more? What Bible-study goal can I set to meet this need?

LINKS:
What Does It Mean To Be Friends With Jesus? http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2003/michaelcard-0503.html

bottom line: In Jesus we find our true identity.

soul journey