Identity Crisis - Final

The Right Conception: Jesus is I AM

The I AM Jesus is perfect love. The I AM Jesus has always been and always will be. The I AM Jesus loves sinners, and judges sin. The I AM Jesus is both a forgiving God, and a just judge. The I AM Jesus spoke the world into existence and breathed the breath of life into every human being. The I AM Jesus bore the sin of the world on His body and bruised the body of His One and Only Son at the same time. The I AM Jesus felt both the rejection of God on the cross and the unbearable turning away of His own face from His Son. The I AM Jesus was prophesied by men of God and created the very breath of the prophets who spoke the words. The I AM Jesus is both transcendent and immanent—He is holy and far removed, yet He is personal and very near to His children. The I AM Jesus revolutionizes the identity of His followers.

The True Follower Identity

The true follower identity says that because Jesus suffered for my sins, I want to live my life for Him simply because I love Him—not from a sense of obligation—not from a sense fear—not because He forces my hand—not because I think I can earn more God-points. No. Only because I love Him. And since He gave His life for me, the least that I can do is live for Him. The true follower identity is totally wrapped up in the identity of Christ, the I AM, the never-changing, always-present Maker of the universe. That’s the identity that I want to be true of my life. I hope you can say the same.

“If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

Now, I’m gonna go rest in I AM, watch Andy Griffith and try to forget that I helped finance terrorism.

Feeding Your Appetite

• How has Jesus proved Himself to You as I AM? In other words, how does your perception of Him as I AM, the always-existing One, move you into greater worship of Him as He moves and works in your life?

• What are some specific ways that You have been guilty of having the homeboy misconception (treating God’s forgiveness lightly) or the tyrant misconception (driven by fear more than love)?

• How does having the right conception of God affect the way you view your own identity in Christ?

• Spend a few moments thanking God, the I AM, for the intimate relationship that He makes available to you through His Son Jesus Christ.