Day 7 – Identity

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. (John 1: 19-23)

 A gospel that starts with, “I am not” can easily be confused with judgemental religion. But what if this ‘not’ is actually good news? What if another story really is on offer, another way of knowing ourselves – one that is not about earning or achieving, one in which I no longer have to sustain the effort of being in the centre, because I am not? It is precisely those who are not – those outwith the social world of reputation and respectability – who witness most vividly to the gift and joy of another way of living.

(Extract from Dust & Glory by David Runcorn)

 

Prayer

Lord, bless with a sense of value those in our community who feel that that they are worthless, forgotten and judged. And help me to know who I am not.

Shadows - Identity (KB)