Does it matter where you’re from?
I’ve lived in a variety of places, all very different from the place I was born. In every new location, I’ve encountered unique cultures and ways of life. Some align with stereotypes and expectations, others surprising. Going to college in Boston many people had “met no one from Montana…is that near Canada?” In L.A. native Californians were often unfamiliar with the other 49 states. In Philly many never left the greater Philadelphia area, long distance from family was uncommon. Friends from Jersey thought, you must not be from here, “you don’t have a chip on your shoulder.” In Elkton, MD neighbors suspected I was foreign because I “had all my teeth.” Back out west to CO, I almost feel at home. Although, I eat gluten and meat and am not trying to achieve a personal best in any outdoor activities.
So what does your background say about identity? And which history or identity is most important? In the gospel of John, John the Baptist tries to announce Jesus’ arrival. He is sure Jesus is the man they‘ve awaited. The one who could baptize with the Holy Spirit. Some believe the Messiah has come and begin to follow him. Philip, a follower, recounts that this man is Jesus of Nazareth, the one we heard about from the prophets! Nathanael‘s response? “Nazareth…can anything good come from Nazareth?” One did not associate Nazareth with producing the Savior of the World. Perhaps they didn’t have all their teeth either!
Nathanael however, realizes that Jesus is who Phillip and John say He is. John describes Jesus’ identity: “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else…For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words for God gave him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands.” Jesus’ identity was in heavenly purpose and calling, rather than in a location.
God often does his work through unlikely people and unexpected means. Jesus’ own mother was a young unwed girl. Abraham was the father of nations though childless until an old man. Moses led God’s people despite his fear of public speaking. Joseph became an honored leader though sold into slavery by his brothers. David was known as a man after God’s own heart even after his great failings and sin.
Our history and background tell us where we are from but don’t have to determine what’s ahead. Sometimes our history or where we are from can bog us down and make us feel unqualified. The Bible tells us we are created in the image of God. (Gen 1:27). We were knitted together in our mother‘s womb (Psalm 139). In Jeremiah 1:5, Jeremiah recounts a vision that God knew him even before he was in his mother’s womb, that he was set apart and appointed. “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure…because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance and makes everything work out according to his plan.” (Eph. 1:4-5 & 11)
I often struggle to trust the things that God says about where I’m from and where I’m going. I get caught up in things from my upbringing, missed opportunities, or insecurities about my abilities that creep in when least expected. It’s in these moments that I ask God to remind me of my identity. To show me His love and help me trust in His plan. If I’m created in His image and adopted through Christ, I am part of His family. I can trust in His plan rather than my own strength. Insecurities fade away when I realize all I have is in Him and from Him. What could give greater confidence than to know that the Creator of the Universe has a plan for my life and that I am chosen by him? Suddenly my own plans go dim and I am reminded to seek Him for His will. Things shift as He plants His desires in my heart and makes them my desires. Rather than looking back, or even looking inward, if my eyes are fixed on Him I‘m confident who He says I am.
When you wonder, “can anything good come out of…?” (you fill in the blank). Remember Jesus, a humble man “of Nazareth” was greater than anyone else. He came from the Father and was loved and chosen by Him. His identity in God, rather than His earthly roots, determined his future and the destiny for His life.