Episode 76: What’s Your Brand?

A brand is a way people can distinguish one thing from another. Even people can be “branded” and set apart as belonging to a certain type of group or image. When people think of your life…what would they say is YOUR brand?

The Apostle Paul wrote a powerful line to the people in Galatia when he said “From now on, let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body, the brand marks of Jesus.” Galatians 6:17. 

A brand mark was a mark a slave owner put on a slave to show that they had an owner. Paul took a well-known symbol and said, “My brand is my Savior. I belong to Him.” 

It’s interesting to see how people in the Bible are branded. Lazarus was a man with a strong brand. When he became ill, his sisters sent word to Jesus, and Jesus replied, “This sickness won’t cause death.” But then it did. 

Branding Principle #1: When our prayers go unanswered or don’t have the outcome we expect, our brand mark is put to the test.

Lazarus died, and so did the dreams of a miracle in his sisters. But in the process, another movement of faith was rising. Jesus tells the disciples they will go to Lazarus, even though he’s dead. This means they must go back to the city that wants to harm Jesus. Thomas (normally the doubter) exclaims, “If you die, I die…”, showing a commendable burst of faith.

Branding Principle #2: Your branding helps others understand their own brand. Lazarus died, but his death is bringing new life in those around him. 

When Jesus went to the tomb and called Lazarus forth from the grave, he came tangled in a tight web of graveclothes. When Jesus called him from death, Lazarus actually had to move towards life!

Branding Principle #3: Our branding is based on our willingness to be broken and brought back to life. 

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after dying a public and tragic death. His very presence on earth branded him as a miracle from the Savior. But from that day forward the religious Pharisees wanted him dead. 

Branding Principle #4: Your branding will make you a target for both joy and heartache. 

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GUTSY FAITH CHALLENGE:

What is your brand mark? How can your brand reflect the gutsy offer of Paul in Galatians 6:17?

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