[Peter and John] noticed the linen cloths lying there, but the burial cloth that had been on Jesus’ head had been rolled up and placed separate from the other cloths.

~John 20:6-7 TPT

Is there anything that comes to mind as you think about your identity that needs to be rolled up, laid aside, and left in the tomb today?

Perhaps it’s an old mindset or belief you still struggle with. Maybe you feel unlovable, unacceptable, unworthy, inadequate, or not fit for the job. Perhaps you feel like a failure, fearful, anxious, weak, not smart enough, not good enough, or caught in bondage that you feel like you can’t get out of. Maybe you’re in a situation where you feel unwanted, depressed, hopeless, condemned, or alone.

Friend, there is hope in Jesus Christ.

Jesus left everything in the tomb He was resurrected from. He didn’t leave the tomb in the same state He entered it in–everything old, He discarded. When Jesus entered the grave, His body was pierced, torn, crushed, bruised, and beaten. When He emerged, He was completely transformed. His body no longer bore the open wounds He incurred on the cross. In place of Jesus’s injuries, healed scars told a story of pain to healing.

The Bible says when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we belong to Him and we become a new person. Our old life passes away, and our new life begins. In other words, our old life of sin, the power of satan, the religious works of trying to please God, our old relationship with the world, and our old mindsets–these all pass away. We are made entirely new by our union with Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, all things have become new.

~2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

Perhaps you feel like you can’t reach God, or you’re afraid of what the enemy can do. Maybe you feel unconfident. Whatever the insecurity is, I challenge you today to identify the issue that comes to your mind, and then ask Jesus to give you His perspective about it. Ask Him to help you to roll it up, lay it aside, and leave it in the tomb where it belongs. You have a new identity in Christ, so take off the graveclothes.

Do you see yourself as still wearing burial clothes, or as new in Jesus Christ? Let’s talk about it…

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me a new identity. Thank You for working in my life. Please help me to identify something I’m struggling with today that does not align with the truth of how You see me. As I sit here with You, please bring to my mind your perspective about this issue, and then help me to roll this problem up, lay it aside, and leave it in the tomb where it belongs. Help me to instead cling to Your grace, and to know I am renewed through You.

Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Embracing Your New Identity: Brandie J. Muncaster: All Rights Reserved