Reading With the People of God - #4 Comfortናሙና

Belonging to Jesus

"That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ."

To truly understand our identity, we must first acknowledge that we are not our own. This fundamental truth shifts our perspective from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies."

Belonging to Jesus means that every part of us—body and soul, in every circumstance of life and even in death—is held securely in His hands. This belonging is not a restrictive ownership but a liberating relationship. Jesus, our faithful Savior, purchased us with His blood, freeing us from the bondage of sin and securing our eternal destiny.

Reflect on what it means to belong to Jesus in your daily life. How does this truth influence your decisions, actions, and attitudes? Embrace the peace and security that come from knowing you are His.

Spend time in prayer, thanking Jesus for claiming you as His own. Ask Him to help you live out this identity daily, trusting in His faithful love and guidance.

Today's prayer of illumination:

Lord, open our hearts to truly understand that we belong to You, body and soul. Help us live each day in the security of Your love, reflecting Christ-centered lives in all we do. Thank You for claiming us as Your own. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Memorization Challenge of the Month:

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 1

Q1. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

A1. That I am not my own, but belong— body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.

He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.

Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.