Your Unique Identity Is God's Divine Calling

In this series, we've considered how Epiphany, the season of Light, can be a resource for our ongoing spiritual growth and development. God has each of us on His personal development plan, that is, to be transformed and conformed into the image of Christ. Our spiritual formation is a lifelong process of growing in the knowledge of God, growing in our self-understanding, and ultimately fulfilling the unique purpose of our lives.

First, we considered the benefits of embracing the spiritual energy of renewal at the beginning of the new year. (See "The Spiritual Energy of Epiphany")

Then, we explored how the messes of our lives can be transformed into masterpieces within the grand narrative of God's story. (See "Mystery, Messes & Masterpieces")

Continuing the storylines of the Epiphany narratives[1], we now progress to a profound crossroads - the intersection of Identity and Calling.

The Identity of Christ Clarified

One of the three primary texts for Epiphany is the Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-23).[2] When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, it was a point of demarcation, commissioning his launch into ministry. The identity of Jesus as God's beloved son is affirmed by a voice from heaven and the sign of a dove.

Next, the identity, calling, and purpose of Jesus are severely tested by the devil in the wilderness, where Christ has fasted and prayed for 40 days ( Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13). Jesus maintains his integrity by applying the truth of God's word to overcome Satan's temptations. This story of Christ's human weakness illustrates the spiritual power of the Logos—the spoken truth of God's word—to overcome the deceitful strategies of hell.

John's gospel then describes another encounter regarding identity. The religious authorities interrogated John the Baptist, asking him, "Are you the Christ?" John insisted that he was not, but rather that his identity was of "a voice in the wilderness" whose purpose was to "prepare the way of the Lord." Then John identifies Jesus as the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:19-34).

The identity of Jesus as messiah is being revealed and spreading. 

Jesus Calls Forth Disciples

Jesus' next step was to build the team upon which he would train, disciple, and pass on the mission of the gospel.

He first calls Simon and Andrew, making them the offer of a lifetime, saying, "Come and follow me, and I will make you disciple-makers ('fishers) of men" (Mark 1:17).

He calls Simon by name, having never met him before (John 1:42). Jesus knew who Simon was and who Simon was to become.

Jesus knows who you are and who you are to become.

Jesus then calls Phillip, who invites Nathaniel (John 1:45-51). Jesus honors Nathaniel as "a true Israelite," having never met him before. Nathaniel, whose mind was blown, immediately had an epiphany of Jesus's identity — "You are the Son of God, the King of Israel!"

When Jesus called James and John, their response was immediate. "They dropped what they were doing and left their father, boat, and fishing business to follow Him as His disciples" (Mark 1:19-20, emphasis mine).

There is a divine-human interaction beyond profound at work here. Something about being in the presence of Jesus—seeing Him, hearing Him, and just being physically near him—connected beyond human sensory perception and resonated with the spirit of those who encountered him.

We saw that dynamic at work in Elizabeth's womb, the worship of the Magi, the prophetic proclamations of Simeon and Anna in the temple, and John's Jordan River proclamation. (see Luke 1:411-42, Matt 2, Luke 2:34-38, John 1:34)

The spirit of God in Jesus was evident to those with eyes to see.

There was something more about Jesus. Something powerful and divine, beyond logic and wisdom, that awakened the spiritual eyes and ears of all who met him, and that can only be explained as divine, transcendent, and supernatural.

Who Are You Called To Be?

In this article we’ve explored the crossroads of Identity and Calling, something quite apropo for the Epiphany season.

From the baptism of Jesus to the calling of his disciples, we see divine purpose unfolding. The mission of Jesus is not a solo venture. The Missio Dei is interdependent upon the words and deeds of his partners in mission. The gospel needs you.

God has a divine purpose for every human in every generation, in every era of history. This is your time. Your life matters. Your life is important. Jesus knows who you are, and Jesus calls you by name.

Like the disciples of old, we are beckoned to come and follow.

Clarity of identity and calling is what propelled Jesus through the wilderness.

Clarity of your calling in God is what will empower you to live your purpose with courage and resilience. Over time, your identity and calling may vary or adapt, but always seek to discover, re-discover, and clarify the core essence of who God created you to be. Remember who you are and Whose you are.

Reflection

Consider your identity in Christ. Reflect on these questions. Write your thoughts down in a journal or someplace you can recall. You might consider sharing this with a trusted friend, mentor, or accountability group.

• Who are you?
• What unique purpose has God placed within you?
• How is Jesus calling you to follow Him in your context?

Prayer of Blessing

I pray that you may experience an epiphany—a sudden divine awakening—of your unique identity and calling. May nothing stop you from following Jesus wholeheartedly. May the joy and peace of the Lord be your source of strength.

In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

Amen!

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1) This series builds upon my research at the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. You can read my entire 38 page academic paper “Epiphany Spirituality: A Light Of Revelation” here: https://robstill.academia.edu/research

2) Traditionally the Biblical texts for Epiphany focus on The Visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12), The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 2:21-22), and The Miracle at Cana, where Jesus Changes Water into Wine (John 2:1-11).

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