MEDITATIONS FROM THE PENTATEUCH

 

January 03, 2007

Reading: Exodus 3:7-15a

 

“And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM” Exodus 3:14

 

What an unexpected and unusual answer Moses received from God when he asked concerning His name, “What shall I say to them?” How shall I answer Your people when they asks me Your Name? “And God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM.”

God used the Hebrew word ‘hayah’ meaning to exist; to be or to become. Another use of this word occurs in Genesis 1:3, “let there be” and “and there was.” Yet again in the common phrase “And it came to pass” Genesis 7:10, and “and I will be” Genesis 17:8. The word is used on 3,560 occasions in the Old Testament. It is far from being a unique word as far as words go. It does, however, set a Divine truth that the Holy Spirit repeats many times. God is Eternal—that which He was, He is, and always will be. I Will Become whatsoever I please. Examine the following occasions, and others, when God specifically used this marvelous revelation (not word) of I AM THAT I AM. It is a very rewarding study.

“I the LORD, am the first; and with the last I am He” Isaiah 41:4.

"Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God” Isaiah 44:6.

“Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, My called: I am He, I am the First, I am also the Last” Isaiah 48:12.

Jesus Himself said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last” Revelation 1:11.

“Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen” Revelation 1:17-18.

“These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life” Revelation 2:8-9.

“And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts’” Revelation 21:6-7.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last" Revelation 22:12-13.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” Hebrews 13:8.

Heavenly Father, Lord of All, Comforter to those who despair and who are depressed, thank You for this reminder that You are Who You say You are. Thank You for the strength and sustenance that comes when You remind Your people that You are Sovereign over all of Your creation. Nothing takes You by surprise and nothing leaves You wondering what to do. You are the Beginning and Ending of everything. You are my Savior and my God. For this I praise You. Amen.