Envision yourself in the desert, confused and given up hope. A shrub bursts suddenly into flames, but it is not consumed by fire! This is a striking scene from Exodus 3 where Moses encountered God. In this meeting, God discloses to Moses His mighty name “I AM WHO I AM.”
This could appear unusual at first. But this short phrase holds a powerful meaning about who God is. Here’s what it tells us:
- God Always Existed: Unlike everything else we know, God wasn’t created. He has always been and always will be. “I AM” emphasizes His eternal existence. The Bible itself tells us this in Exodus 3:14 (NIV): “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.“
- God Depends on Nothing: He doesn’t need anything or anyone to define Him. He simply “IS.” This demonstrates His absolute independence and self-sufficiency.
- God is Reliable: We may trust Him because He has always been and will continue to be. He is an unwavering source of strength and stability in our evolving world.
More Than Just a Name:
“I AM WHO I AM” is more than just a name we can remember. It gives a glimpse into God’s true essence. It teaches us that He is the ultimate source of all existence, the foundation of everything.
Knowing This Matters:
Understanding God’s self-existence brings comfort and hope. It means we can trust in a God who is constantly present, powerful, and dependable. It tells us that no matter the difficulties we face, God is the constant “I AM.”
This is only the beginning of understanding this rich passage in the Bible. As we explore more, we discover even deeper layers of meaning about God’s character and His promises to us.
