Our family has been in a time of rapid transition.
It’s been a ride.
One aspect of our recent journey has been to start an online zoom group. We always planned to start an online group, and covid-19 made us very aware of why this start up was on God’s heart.
Our zoom group includes people we know and trust. These people will try things out online with us, give us feedback, cut us some slack, while we hopefully sow something of value into them. It’s still nerve-racking because, well, God has to show up!
As with all groups we have run, the first topic we covered was: ‘who are we anyway?’
‘A simple question to answer,’ you may say, but it is surprising just how many (read everyone) struggle with this topic when you scratch the surface. Our religious and societal beliefs are so entrenched – ‘we must perform to be loved’.
I believe that we all struggle with this idea – that we don’t earn our right at the table with God! God approves of us, having done nothing!
Mark 1:11 makes it clear:
‘And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”’ (Mark 1:11 NIV)
Check out this link to Mark 1:11. The different translations, of the same verse say the same thing. In essence:
‘You are my son, I love you, and I am well pleased with you.’
I find this scripture fascinating. It is at the point of Jesus being baptised by John, before Jesus starts his ministry years. Jesus has done nothing to earn his father’s love. It is from this place of identity Jesus enters the desert, fasts, is tempted by the devil and then steps out into his ministry. He has held firm to who he is and whose he is.
The Father loves and approves of Jesus- before Jesus does anything.
Jesus would have studied etc prior to this point in time, but… he had presumably done nothing. He had not stepped into his ministry works.
Every group we have run, we cover the same idea – we are loved, approved and accepted, without works, having done nothing. In fact, we don’t have to do anything to remain in this place; however, when we really catch this concept in its essence, the irony is we can’t help but do something in response.
‘111, My beloved daughter; My beloved son.’
What do you hear Him speak over you today?
Will you just sit and let Him whisper sweet nothings?
Will you let Him sing over you, as you rest in the nook of His arms?
Will you ‘…wait a little longer’ with Him?
He wants us whole, and fully comprehending that we are His beloved daughter or son, in whom He is well pleased. It is from this place of identity that we are to step out and go, and as we do we will shine with His goodness, with His light, with His love because…
God is Good!
Please, sit, breathe and listen. See what He says to you through this song:
I particularly like the version on the album ‘We Believe’ but I couldn’t find an authorised website link to that version. The ‘We Believe’ album version is a little quieter, and I personally find it more poignant.