Identified? With whom?

Americans like to think of themselves as a 'classless' society. It is true we do not have royals and commoners, but there are social divisions between us that cannot be ignored- defined by access to wealth more than any other criterion. Of course, race still divides us as does religious practice, but the greatest divide is along economic boundaries. Nearly all of us tend to define ourselves by the people among whom we choose to live and play! We want to be identified with groups that look and act most like we do; so we drive similar cars, hang out in similar restaurants, and wear similar fashions. In a subtle way we make a statement about who we are and what our values are by our associations. Often it isn't even intentionally that we do these things.

Are you identified with Christ? When Peter went to see where Jesus was being taken on the night of his arrest, he was identified as a disciple. A young woman said, “You’ve got to be one of them. You’ve got ‘Galilean’ written all over you.” Remember his response? Not once, not twice, but three times - he chose to distance himself from Jesus! Peter got really nervous and swore, “I never laid eyes on this man you’re talking about.” Just then the rooster crowed a second time. Peter remembered how Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows twice, you’ll deny me three times.” He collapsed in tears.

A few months after Peter ran from his association with Jesus, he was once again on the 'hot seat' before the religious elite of Jerusalem. Seems that they took exception to the healing of a lame man in the temple. Peter and John were hauled in before the authorities where they were told to shut up and go home to Galilee! This time, Peter drew on the power of the Spirit and answered those who tried to intimidate him to silence saying, {Acts 4:8-12 NLT}
“Leaders and elders of our nation, are we being questioned because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed?
Let me clearly state to you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed in the name and power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, the man you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them.”

The response of those who were sitting in judgment of the new Christians is revealing: Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. {Acts 4:13 NKJV}

I gladly (can I say, proudly?) wear the Name of Christ. I pray that when people spend very much time with me the one thing, more than any other, that will define me is being like Jesus! That's a high aspiration, far beyond my ability to achieve on my own! However, if I live intimately with God, praying faithfully, reading His Word regularly, worshipping among those who share my desire to know Him, and listening attentively to the Spirit - I will become like Him!

But, I'll admit that sometimes I don't want to be identified with some people who lay claim to being 'Christian!' I want to stay far, far from hose who 'hate in His name.' I don't want to be lumped in with those who have turned 'Christianity' into a private 'bless me' club that have no real concern for the poor, the oppressed, and the weak. I am really uncomfortable with those who confuse being middle class and Republican with being 'Christian' too.

In our world, may it said of us 'they have been with Jesus!' If HE is lifted up, He will draw all people to Himself. May His glory so fill our lives that we become invisible and He is clearly seen in our actions and heard in our words.
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You're invited to join our special gatherings this Holy Weekend-

see a full schedule at www.washingtonag.net/service.htm

Good Friday- March 25
7:00 PM -Communion Worship
8:00 PM- A showing of "The Passion of the Christ" (no admission charge)

Easter Sunday
8:00 AM - "Sunrise" service at Meadow Breeze Park
9:00 AM - Continental Breakfast in the Family Fellowship Center
10:30 Worship service - with Baptism

Please note: TFTD will be taking a break next week for a few days!