Glorious Things of You Are Spoken. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song.
As I meditate upon this short, joyous, celebratory Psalm what my mind lingers upon is the thought of identity. Worldly identity vs. eternal identity. Individual identity vs. shared identity. The world today offers us a cafeteria style menu of identities from which to choose, so that we may be individually satisfied. "How do you identify?" is a commonly accepted phrase in schools and other public venues today.
One of our most fundamental earthly identities, for believer and non believer alike, is that of place of birth, dwelling place, or where we are "from". When introducing ourselves, we may say, "I'm a 4th generation Texan." "I'm a British citizen, but I was born in Tokyo". "I'm Kenyan, of the Kalenjin tribe." "I'm a New Yorker through and through." Or even, "I'm an Aggie, or a Sooner, or a Bear, or a Longhorn."
Verses 4-6 of this joyous psalm center our shared identity as one people. As the Church, as those who know God, as those He has called and established, as believers from every earthly nation, dwelling place, and people group, as sons and daughters of the Lord Most High, we share the one true identity of His people, born into His eternal city, His eternal dwelling place. Lord, I pray that my identity remains steadfast in You and that the way I relate to others springs first and foremost out of our shared identity as Your beloved sons and daughters. Amen.
- Allison W.