An identity can be a definitive characteristic of an individual, what they are known by or what they stand for. Many obtain their identity through varying circumstances like jobs, interests, beliefs,  social status,  name, etc.

Identity is one of those traits where you don’t get to opt out. Your attempt at not having an identity in itself identifies you. In other words,  everyone has got an identity.

From the very beginning of the bible , we see the identity of Jesus revealed, and through the  passages, we can discover who He is. In Genesis chapter one and verse three,  we see Him as the spoken word of God as confirmed by John (John 1: 1-5 ) and through the entire bible , Jesus can be found right to the end in Revelations where He is described as The faithful witness.

Why, Jesus, you may ask? Well, though  the response to that is probably a whole book, the most obvious one is the fact that we derive our identity from Him; we, who are called Christians. The term obviously means  ‘like Christ’.

In this particular blog, I would like to explore some of the names and attributes which we have come to identify Jesus with and what those mean to us and the first one would be where Jesus identified himself as THE TRUE VINE.

The very first thing you probably notice is that Jesus identified himself with the vineyard. The vine and its branches are all rooted in the earth, in dirt. Jesus did not consider himself too highly from us to separate himself from us. He rather identifies with us in the low place of dirt and growth and process. I have never been involved in the process of grapes making, but I have been informed it can be a very long process of tending and care and attention.

The Christian life and walk is often described not as a sprint race but as a marathon because like the writer of Hebrews puts it, it is a race (speed) which is run with patience ( not in a hurry ). Hebrews 12:1-2.

For there to be fruit ( going back to the vineyard) , the vine and branches work and stay together.  The branch is responsible for carrying the fruit, yet it will not produce if not completely attached to the vine. In other words,  the branch gets it nourishment from the vine and only the vine. Jesus, in describing himself as the true vine, amongst many things, is helping us understand that he is our source in life if we desire to live a godly, healthy, productive life.

I have never met anyone who does not want to do well in life,oh there are people who think they can never amount to anything but deeply rooted in that way of thinking are issues which we probably do not have the time nor space to explore here but the desire to do well is in everyone.  Now, for that desire to come to fruition,  one has to take certain steps, which include but are not limited to staying connected to the source of nourishment.

How do we stay connected to the vine ? By recognising that like the physical human basic need for survival,  there is a need for continuous nourishment that comes from the word of God.

Get a bible if you don’t have one ( or download it on your phone), get a different translation if the language in your current one is getting too familiar,  get a bible dictionary if you can to help explain some words and expressions,  do whatever you can to get the word of God into you. That is your food. Study the bible, find materials to help you study, and it doesn’t have to take up your entire day. You can start with 10 minutes in a day and walk your way up. The most important thing is getting the nourishment you need.

There is the basic need for clothing, and though some may argue that it is not needed for survival,  others may disagree.  If you live in areas known for harsh weather conditions, then clothing being a basic need would not be a debate. Just as clothing is needed not for fashion or anything like that but for the sake of survival so you need to cloth yourself with the understanding of who you have become once in christ. So many things out there are ready to eat you alive if your identity is not in God.

If you do not see your worth through the eyes of Jesus and what He has already done for you then you will be told so many things about you and who you are supposed to be and as conflicting as they can all be to say the least, they can also be very detrimental to your spiritual wellbeing.

In conclusion,  God desires for you to lead a fruitful life, that’s why the branches produce the fruit. You have every potential to be fruitful and excel as you stay connected to the true vine.

Every blessing
Kingdom