When the Jews of Holland were forced to wear the Star of David, Corrie Ten Boom’s father, Casper, lined up for one. He wore it because he wanted to identify himself with the people he and his family had been praying for and working with for many years. He chose to be completely identified with the Jews, to wear their “sign of shame” and suffer persecution for the people he loved.

And behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:17

At the incarnation, Jesus took on humanity, ready to be identified as completely one with mankind. Like Casper Ten Boom, Jesus was ready for the indignities and shame of His human nature. At His baptism, the Father revealed to all assembled on the banks of the Jordan the further identity of Jesus: “my beloved Son.” And in Him, all the fullness of God was made present.

Through Jesus’ redemptive work on Calvary, Christians around the world have a new identity in Him. That more should come to join His family was Jesus’ instruction to His followers – an instruction which remains. Pray for a closer identification with Christ for yourself. Then intercede for those in authority in America to recognize God’s beloved Son for themselves.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 1:15-23