CHESHVAN
28
My
Identity
The
past several decades has seen a rising interest in researching our ‘roots’, our
ancestry, our genealogy and heritage.
The desire to know where we came from, to learn who our ancestors are,
to find out something of how they lived is truly fascinating. With the immergence of websites dedicated to
this type of research, as well as the new field of DNA testing and
identification, the results can be exciting, as well as –to some –
disappointing. Even those who were
adopted outside of their birth families now have the means to find out their
birth legacy and learn of their roots and history. Amazing, truly amazing.
And
this is not all a bad thing. For myself,
I am a first generation American; both of my parents immigrated to the United
States from Denmark before I was born.
My heritage is that of a Scandinavian, and I know of many family members
still living in the country of Denmark, a country I have visited on several
occasions. I am thankful for all the
generations that went before me, making me what I am today.
However,
being of Danish ancestry does not define who
I am. The Words of the Living Elohim, as
written down for us in what is known as the Bible, is my history, and is the source of my
identity. Because I have chosen the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as my
eternal Father and King, I am now a child of His (see 2Cor 6:17-18). Because I choose to walk in His
ordinances, laws and precepts – His Torah – I am now adopted into the family of
Messiah (see Eph 1:5). This is the identity I choose to
recognize and promote.
“For You are our Father, though Aḇraham does not know us, and Yisra’ĕl does not
recognise us. You, O יהוה, are
our Father, our Redeemer – Your Name is from of old.” (Isa
63:16)
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage
again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out,
“Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit
that we are children of Elohim, and if children, also heirs – truly heirs of
Elohim, and co-heirs with Messiah, if indeed we suffer with Him, in order that
we also be exalted together.” (Rom 8:15-17)
©2020
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