Day 2 of 30 – Our True Identity Challenge
Dear Seeking Sister,
Second thing we need to know about our identity is that we are extremely valuable. Take a moment to think of the most valuable possession you have. Say out loud what it is or who they are? What lengths would you go to protect it/them?
To understand how valuable you are, it helps to put today’s verse in context. The emphasis in Luke 12:7 is designed to quiet the fears of the disciples because in Jesus’ day there was real earthly danger. The Pharisees were powerful.
In Luke 12, Jesus is telling his disciples they must not fear the Pharisees because they are far more valuable and would not let any ‘real’ danger come their way (12:4). He is also alerting them that they should never hesitate to confess Jesus (12:8). It is a fairly easy jump to bring this context to our modern setting.
As a Christian in America we may not have to fear death because of our faith in Jesus Christ, but don’t be mistaken, we have modern day Pharisees. This is Satan’s world we live in and Satan is making his reign known. Look around. Do you see any ruling faction of our nation rejecting God’s Word? Do you feel any pressure to compromise on God’s Word because you fear retribution? I have struggled; Satan is a powerful adversary. Today’s verse is telling us that we are so valuable to God that we have no need to fear. Stay in His Word, acknowledge Him in everything (12:8). He values us and will not let any real harm come our way. We are valued.
Action: Set a timer for 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes. Open your bible and read Luke 12:1-12 with an emphasis on Luke 12:7. Afterward, close your eyes and think about the fact you are valuable to God. Whisper it a few times, “I am valuable.” By setting the timer you don’t have to keep checking how much time has gone by, the timer will go off when you’ve reached the minutes allotted for this meditation.
Luke 12:7
What’s the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk. You’re worth more than a million canaries. (MSG)
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (NIV)
Since you are so much more precious to God than a thousand flocks of sparrows, and since God knows you in every detail—down to the number of hairs on your head at this moment—you can be secure and unafraid of any person, and you have nothing to fear from God either. (VOICE)
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[The 30 Day True Identity Challenge comes from Tiffany Dooley’s Mirror Mirror message from The City Church]