A Story That Shapes Us: Deuteronomy 26:5-11

Monday of the First Week in Lent
Reading: Deuteronomy 26:5-11
A Story That Shapes Us

The Search for Identity
Who are you, really? In a world that tells us to define ourselves by success, wealth, or personal achievements, it’s easy to feel like we must create our own identity. But when life falls apart—when a job is lost, a relationship ends, or we fail to meet expectations—what happens to that identity? We often feel adrift, uncertain of our place in the world.

Deuteronomy 26 takes us back to a moment when Israel was learning what it meant to be God’s people. As they prepared to enter the Promised Land, they were commanded to bring their firstfruits to the Lord and declare their history: “A wandering Aramean was my father…” (v. 5). This was more than a ritual; it was a statement of identity. Israel’s existence was not based on their strength but on God’s faithfulness. They had been slaves in Egypt, yet God rescued them, gave them a new home, and called them His own.

This passage fits into the grand narrative of Scripture, where God continually reminds His people that they belong to Him, not because of their accomplishments, but because of His grace. Jesus fulfills this story in an even greater way—He rescues us from slavery to sin, adopts us into His family, and gives us a new identity in Him (Ephesians 1:5). Like Israel, we do not have to create ourselves; we are shaped by the story of God’s redemption.

Living Out Our True Identity
If our identity is in Christ, we do not need to prove our worth through accomplishments or social status. Instead, we live from a place of security, knowing that we are already loved and accepted by God. Remembering our story is crucial. Just as Israel was called to recount God’s faithfulness, we should take time each day to reflect on how God has worked in our lives. Writing down moments of His provision and grace can help anchor us in His truth.
Living generously is another way we demonstrate our trust in God’s provision. Israel’s response to God’s redemption was to give their firstfruits as an act of faith. We, too, can reflect this through generosity—whether with our money, time, or encouragement to others. When we give, we remind ourselves that all we have is a gift from God. Finally, we must rest in grace. If you find yourself striving to prove your worth, pause and remember that in Christ, you are already accepted. Your value is not in what you do but in what Christ has done for you.

Transform Our Heart Through Prayer
Father, thank You that my identity is not based on my achievements but on Your love. Help me to remember Your faithfulness and live in the confidence that I belong to You. Teach me to trust in Your provision and to live generously as a response to Your grace. Holy Spirit, free me from the need to prove myself and root me deeply in the identity You have given me through Christ. Amen.