Sunday, September 27, 2009

No Identity Crisis Here


Daniel 1: 7

Did you know that Daniel and his three close friends – who stood together and supported each other against the indoctrination designed by King Nebuchadnezzar – were given Babylonian names?

In those days, people were given new names to change their identity and steer them into a new destiny. That was originally God’s idea, changing Abram to Abraham and Jacob to Israel, to lift them up. Old Neb’s purpose was to drag them down.

Daniel’s Hebrew name meant “God is my judge.” He answered to God. However, he was given the Babylonian name of Belteshazzar, meaning “Bel will protect.” Bel was one of the Babylonian gods. If Daniel heard it enough, maybe he’d identify himself with his new protector, Bel. It never happened. He stood steadfast with his God even to the point of death – more than once.

No, his identity was set, and nothing could change his mind.

How often have we been told, “You’ll never amount to anything,” or “you’re too this or that – why can’t you be like …?” I’m so thankful that we have a heavenly father who proved His love for us and gave us the highest value by sending us His Son Jesus. We only have to remember that when we face an identity crisis. Through Jesus, we were given the right to be called sons and daughters of the most high God, the king of the universe.
How’s that for an identity to hold onto? Have any of you had to hold onto this for dear life to get you through a really hard time? I have, and it saved my life.

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