Go! And Know His Name: Encountering the Great "I AM"
Exodus 3:13–15 (NLT): “But Moses protested, ‘If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, “The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,” they will ask me, “What is his name?” Then what should I tell them?’
God replied to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.’
God also said to Moses, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations.’”
Introduction: The Power of a Name
Names carry significance. They reveal character, identity, and purpose. In Exodus 3, Moses encounters God in the burning bush and asks, “What is your name?” God responds with a profound revelation: “I AM WHO I AM.” This declaration introduces us to the Tetragrammaton—the four Hebrew letters YHWH—representing God's personal name.
1. The Revelation of YHWH: God's Eternal Self-Existence
In Exodus 3:14, God declares, “I AM WHO I AM.” The Hebrew phrase is “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh,” derived from the verb “hayah” meaning “to be” or “to exist.” This emphasizes God's self-existence and eternal nature.
“This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations.” (Exodus 3:15, NLT)
God's name, YHWH, signifies that He is unchanging, self-sufficient, and ever-present.
Isaiah 43:10–11 (NLT): “But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the LORD. “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be.”
The Tetragrammaton underscores God's uniqueness and sovereignty. He is not defined by time or space. He simply is.
“God is the only being who is completely self-sufficient, the only being who is not dependent on anything else for His existence.” — John Piper
Piper's insight reminds us that God's existence is not contingent upon anything. He is the uncaused cause, the eternal "I AM."
Understanding God's self-existence assures us that He is reliable and unchanging. In a world of uncertainty, we can trust in the eternal nature of YHWH.
2. The Holiness of God's Name: Reverence and Worship
In Jewish tradition, the name YHWH is considered so sacred that it is not spoken aloud. Instead, titles like Adonai (Lord) or HaShem (The Name) are used.
Leviticus 22:32 (NLT): “Do not bring shame on my holy name. For I will display my holiness among the people of Israel.”
God's name is holy, reflecting His pure and perfect nature. Revering His name is an act of worship.
“The holiness of God is the most difficult of all God's attributes to explain, partly because it is one of His essential attributes that is not shared by man.” — R.C. Sproul
Sproul emphasizes that God's holiness sets Him apart. Our reverence for His name should mirror our awe of His perfect nature.
Let us approach God with reverence, honoring His name in our words and actions. Our lives should reflect the holiness of the One we serve.
3. Jesus: The Embodiment of "I AM"
In the New Testament, Jesus makes several "I AM" statements, directly linking Himself to the divine name revealed in Exodus.
John 8:58 (NLT): “Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!’”
This declaration affirms Jesus' divinity and eternal existence.
John 14:6 (NLT): “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’”
Jesus is not merely a messenger; He is God incarnate. His "I AM" statements are profound affirmations of His divine identity.
“If Jesus is not God, then we are idolaters, for we are worshiping a man.” — Charles Spurgeon
Spurgeon's words challenge us to recognize the divinity of Christ. Worshiping Jesus is acknowledging Him as YHWH in the flesh.
Recognizing Jesus as the "I AM" calls us to a deeper relationship with Him. He is our Savior, Lord, and God.
4. The Gospel: God's Redemptive Plan Revealed
The eternal "I AM" took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again, conquering death. Through His sacrifice, we are offered forgiveness and eternal life.
Romans 5:8 (NLT): “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
God's self-existent nature means He is not compelled by anything outside Himself. Yet, out of love, He chose to redeem us.
“The gospel is not just the ABCs of the Christian life, but the A to Z.” — Tim Keller
Keller reminds us that the gospel is the foundation and the entirety of our faith journey. It's through the gospel that we know the "I AM."
Accepting the gospel means acknowledging our need for a Savior and trusting in Jesus' finished work on the cross.
5. Responding to the "I AM": Faith and Obedience
Call to Action:
Understanding who God is demands a response. Will you trust in the "I AM" today?
Romans 10:9 (NLT): “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Place your faith in Jesus, the embodiment of YHWH. Let your life reflect His holiness and love.
Communion Reflection: Remembering the Servant Savior
As we partake in Communion, let us remember that the eternal "I AM" humbled Himself to serve and save us.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45 (NLT)
Poetic Meditation:
In the stillness of this sacred hour,
We recall the depth of mercy's power.
The "I AM" who formed the stars above,
Now offers us His boundless love.
Bread and cup, symbols divine,
Of a grace that crosses every line.
The Servant King, on bended knee,
Poured out His life to set us free.
As we remember, hearts contrite,
We walk anew in His holy light.
Empowered to serve, to love, to give,
Reflecting Christ in how we live.
May the eternal "I AM" bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and give you peace. Go forth, knowing His name, living in His grace, and sharing His love.
Note: The information provided is based on biblical texts and theological interpretations to offer a comprehensive understanding of the Tetragrammaton and its significance in Christian faith.
