I AM

“God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” – Exodus 3:14 CSB

In the midst of a bush that is burning but not consumed, the sole Creator of the Universe discloses Himself to a mere man He commissions to rescue His people. The shortened version of this phrase “I AM” is represented in Hebrew by the equivalent letters in English: YHWH. It is variously represented in English as “Jehovah,” “Yaweh,” or most commonly by the all capital “LORD” in our translations. The technical term is “tetragrammaton.” The ancient Hebrews and modern-day Jews substitute the name with Adonai (Lord) because it is considered too Holy to utter.

Yet, in the midst of uncertainty, doubt, and questioning this is the Name revealed to one of the principle actors in the redemptive history of God’s people. There really is no more comforting fact than to understand what it means for God to self-disclose Himself as “I AM.” I love to tell people, “God’s name is a verb!” He is “being” Himself. The tense of His name indicates ongoing action. He is the eternal.

Just as Moses must trust Him to face down a tyrannical world leader, so Jesus’ disciples hear Him respond as He shouts to them while He walks upon the water, “Take heart, it is I [I AM], do not be afraid.” (Matt. 14:27). In our microscopic moments of fear and doubt He is the one revealing Himself to be the One holding the very fabric of the universe together.

Prayer

“Father, thank You for being who you are. Help me to remember when I doubt that you are the One Who created the universe, called me to yourself, and will carry me through difficult circumstances, for Your Name’s sake, Amen.”