Text: Genesis 35:16-18
Memory Verse: “And so it was, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she called his name Ben-Oni; but his father called him Benjamin” (Genesis 35:18).
Who are you? Regardless of what people call, tag or nickname you, you must know who you are. You have a God given identity, and it is very important to recognise this in a world that is in an identity crisis; seeking to change and exchange God-given genders, boys wanting to become girls and vice versa.
Ben-Oni, the name Rachel gave her newborn because of the circumstances surrounding his birth, meant son of sorrow. This bad tag was thankfully changed to Benjamin which means son of my right hand, and favourite child. Sarah, after 25 years of waiting for a child, called her son Isaac, because she believed people would laugh with her in appreciation of the blessing (Genesis 21:3).
Different things, some of which are thrust on you at birth, try to define you: your gender – God’s definition of you at birth; culture – ethnicity and national identity; religious identity; or profession. Are you identified by what you are capable or incapable of doing, e.g., Blind Bartimaeus, Lame Mephibosheth?
Your identity is ultimately your personal choice. Who do you call yourself? Do you see yourself as royalty, a prince/princess of the Most High God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe? You must declare that you are a child of God, if you are; one who can call on God, his heavenly Father, freely and directly at any time. Do not allow the world to define you.
Prayer Points:
1. I thank You, Lord, for adopting me as Your child.
2. Holy Spirit, please remind me of my identity in Jesus at all times.