Kingdom People: Exchange your identity for a new coat
As we step more fully into our identity as Kingdom People, we believe that God is calling us to exchange our old identities for a new one; the one that He has for us.
In 2 Kings 2, we see an identity exchange take place in Elisha’s life. Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. 2 Kings 2:12-14 says, ‘Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.’
Elisha took off his coat and tore it in two, symbolising leaving the past. He then picked up the new coat - His God ordained identity. In this way, he made a demand on the new identity through faith.
It is a fascinating example of what it can look like to embrace the new.
What is the old identity in your life that God is calling you to take off, and what is the new coat He is inviting you to put on?
If you have 10 minutes, I’d like to invite you to join me in an exercise.
You will need: a pen, a piece of paper, a Bible.
What to do:
- Draw a stick person in the middle of your paper and write your name underneath it. This represents you!
- Begin by writing things that define you around the stick person. For example, friend, sister, wife, daughter, Mum, chocolate, coffee (or tea!), sport, work, art.
- Then, write down things about yourself that you recognise are more negative. For example, worry, stress, anger.
- Once you have written them all down, put a line through the negative characteristics, and exchange them for a Bible verse that speaks into that situation.
- For example, if you have a tendency to worry, cross that out and write next to it, ‘Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;’ Psalm 55:22
- If you feel you get impatient, write, ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’ Galatians 5:22-23.
- If you compare yourself to others, write down, ‘I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’ Psalm 139:14.
You don’t have to be bound by an old, negative identity, because the Bible tells us, ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ 2 Corinthians 5:17.
God has good plans for you, He has created you wonderfully and He wants you to live boldly and confidently for Him, so that you can share your hope and faith with the world around you.
Heavenly Father, today I choose to take off my old coat. I take off lies from the past, and I embrace the abundant life that You have for me. Help me to live confidently and full of faith every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
You can catch up with this message here: https://youtu.be/iHcvR-CrhAo?si=Ur5OJZBDz3LPkBEU
- Susie Raybould