Identity and Belonging
Adam, Sheth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered, Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. I Chronicles 1:1-4 (KJV)
This begins the book of I Chronicles, and for a number of chapters, it lists the geneologies and descendants of the patriarchs. It reconnected the exiles returning from captivity with their heritage. It showed them where they came from.
We all need to know who we are (our identity) and where we came from (our beginning). These establish purpose and belonging. In the same way, we must know who we are in Christ and where we belong.
As we study God’s Word, it’s all written down for us- who God made us to be. We came from God. As we’re born-again, we receive an identity and belonging that shows our connection to God. God brought Israel out of captivity. As God brings us out of the captivity of the devil, we can identify with God by studying His Word. We study God to know God, to have a relationship with God. The Word tells us what He expects of us. As we follow the Word, we keep God first, and this keeps us free. We’ll bow down to only the true and living God, obeying His Word, Hs voice, and Spirit. We’ll stay free because there will be no room in our hearts form anyone but God. Then, as we have returned from exile, like the Israelites, we can rebuild our lives with God. And a life in God lasts forever.
As we know who we are (God’s child) and where we came from (God Himself), we know our identity and gain a sense of belonging. We can rest in Christ, knowing who we are and where we belong.
