Our Identity in ChristSample

Passport Please

I once lost my passport while in transit at the Dubai airport. The sense of hopelessness was astounding. At that point, my academic records, CV, and bank statement meant absolutely nothing. What I needed was my passport.

In many ways, Jesus is like our passport. In the world of customs and immigration, there is only one thing that matters: your passport. Likewise, in the kingdom of God, there is only one name that matters: Jesus! He said, “I am the way the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.” He is our access.

Am I suggesting that good behavior is not necessary? What I am suggesting is that good behavior—even best behavior—is not good enough. We live in a pressurized world of so much unfinished business: school, work, bills, etc. We oftentimes transfer similar to-do lists to our spiritual lives. But in this kingdom, these don’t work. Colossians 2:23 would remind us that these, “…lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” What we need is Jesus!

Jesus has succeeded precisely where we failed. To the woman caught in the act of adultery in John 8, Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” The power to live sin-free is found in “no condemnation,” and “no condemnation” is the message of the cross. (Rom. 8:1) 

Colossians 2:14 says, “Having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He [Jesus] has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”

I eventually did find my passport at the Dubai airport. I had left it at the security checkpoint. There is this certain joy and confidence that comes with finding a lost passport. 

For those of you who either don’t know Jesus or who have been struggling with your own performance, may the joy of Jesus’ finished work be yours today! He is our confidence in approaching God.
 

Life Application
See if you can identify the places in your life where you have replaced your work for His. Now exchange the two.
 

Prayer
Father, thank you for Jesus!