“You look like a rock star!” I was somewhat taken aback by the comment. Being a child of the ‘60s, all of the “rock stars” I knew were pushing walkers, at least the ones who survived drugs and the rocker lifestyle. I had the honor of leading what we call “Directed Prayer and Communion” at my home church, so I was wired for sound, as they say — transmitter on my belt, and mouthpiece clip over my ear. (My bluetooth hearing aides were removed because they gave feedback over the sound system). “I feel like an escapee from a fast-food drive-in window,” I responded.

Most of us respond in a similar fashion when we are told that God loves us and we’re precious in His sight. I know I have that tendency. So, as I was being dismissive of the comment, the Lord gently spoke to me and said, “Not so fast.” That resulted in a lesson in the “School of Christ” and a reminder of exactly who I am. I am in Christ, as Scripture clearly points out. “So, we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Romans 12:5, ESV). “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (I Corinthians 1:30). When God looks at me, He sees me in His Son, whom He loves.

Now, let’s look at The Rock (not the actor/wrestler/movie star). Scripture gives several references to God as a rock:

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” —Psalm 18:2

“For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me.” —Psalm 31:3

Paul takes this reference one step further when he talks about the rock that gave water to the children of Israel in the wilderness:

“And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” —I Corinthians 10:4

Does that sound familiar? It reminds me of Jesus’ statement on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:37-39):

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

What flows out of us as believers, walking in the Spirit, comes from the Spirit.

One other thought. In Daniel chapters 11-12, Daniel has a vision of the last days, when God’s plan for the ages comes to fruition. Listen to what the Angel said to Daniel: “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). If you are a disciple who is making disciples, “turning many to righteousness,” in the Kingdom you will shine! So, let’s add this up (sort of like spiritual new math). As a follower of Christ, I am in Christ. If I am in Christ, I am in The Rock. If I am a faithful disciple who makes disciples, I am going to shine like the stars in heaven. Using my mathematical formula, I have one conclusion: Bro, we can become rock stars! Rock on, or shine on, or both! What say ye, Man of Valor?