Be Who You Are

The (imperative) ten commandments are famously preceded by the (indicative) reminder, 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.' But this rhythm of grace/response, gospel/obligation, is pervasive throughout both OT and NT. Was struck today by the way Deuteronomy 14 opens:

'You are the sons of the LORD your God. You shall not . . .' (Deut 14:1)

Ephesians 5:1 is a clear NT counterpart: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 1 Peter and 1 John are replete with the same notion.

Here's who you are; be who you are.