How do you identify yourself? Here in Spain, everything revolves around your NIE - Número de identidad de extranjero ("Foreigner Identity Number"). It is your tax identification number, similar to your National Insurance Number in the UK.

My identity takes many forms.  My name is Paul.  I am a husband.  I am a Father.  I am known as ‘Papa’ to my grandchildren. I am ‘el presidente’ of the Association Anglohispanic New Life (I am part of the leadership team of our church here).  I am a member of the forum Golf Society. I am a friend to many here in my village…….I could go on.

But none of these ‘identities’ amount to much in the eyes of God.  To Him, I am something so, so much more!

In Isaiah 43: 10, 20 and 44:1-2 the Jewish people are reassured by the prophet, that they are a chosen people of God.  Chosen by a God who formed them in the womb. Read Psalm 139 – an incredible Psalm that reassures us that God knows absolutely everything about us.

The Israelites were chosen to be His witnesses.  Here Peter makes clear that N.T. believers are now also part of this great throng of chosen people.

Paul, writing in Romans 11:17-27 and Ephesians 2:10–3:6, makes it clear that we, the church, have been co-joined with the nation of Israel.  This means all the promises made to Israel are now our promises.  We are called not only a chosen people, but Peter describes us as a ‘Royal Priesthood’, a ‘Holy Nation’, a people ‘Belonging to God’, but for what purpose?  To declare praises to almighty God?

Wow!

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Application:

The next time you look in the mirror, take time to remind yourself, whatever your name is, that you are so, so much more in the eyes of God!

Prayer:

Lord, help me to see myself as You see me, that I will be so much more than my own viewpoint.  To Your glory. Amen.