God, Me, and Us – Part IISample

God Sets the Record Straight

While following Jesus it’s important to understand who sets the record straight when it comes to our sin and identity before the Lord. It’s not our task, but God’s. The story of Joshua, the high priest, vividly illustrates this. Despite being in a position of spiritual authority, Joshua doesn’t defend himself against Satan’s accusations. Instead, it is God who steps in, asserting His authority with a simple yet powerful rebuke: “The Lord rebuke you, Satan.”

This narrative underscores a fundamental truth: God’s authority is supreme. When He declares freedom, beauty, or love, it is an irrefutable reality. This teaches us a critical lesson about self-perception and truth. The words of those around us do not determine our value and identity. Rather, our value and identity are determined by what God says about us. This is the ‘living oxygen’ that sustains our spiritual life—the truth of God’s Word and His declarations over us.

God knows us intimately. He knows every detail of our being—our gifts, physical attributes, and shortcomings. This knowledge is the foundation for His loving intervention. Like Joshua, we may find ourselves covered in filth, metaphorically speaking, yet God’s response is not condemnation but redemption.

The song “Believe for It,” by CeCe Winans, encapsulates this beautifully: “You said it. I believe it. You said it. It is done.” It’s a declaration of faith in God’s promises and actions. God doesn’t need approval or negotiations; His word is final and absolute. This understanding brings comfort and assurance, especially when we feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges or our own imperfections.

These truths bring into focus the reality of our fallen nature and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. We are like burning sticks snatched from the fire - inherently flawed and destined for destruction yet saved by Christ’s sacrificial love. This salvation isn’t just a rescue; it’s a complete transformation from death to life, from darkness to light.

We may be accused, misunderstood, or misrepresented, but God, in His sovereignty, can clear our name and affirm our identity. God’s role in setting the record straight is a reminder of His omnipotence and love. He knows our struggles, our pains, and our deepest fears. He is with us in every trial, ready to declare His truth over our lives. Let’s embrace this divine assurance, allowing it to be the very breath of life that sustains us in every circumstance.