I AM

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.'”

Exodus 3:14

This is one of the most thought-provoking passages I’ve ever encountered.

God said, “I AM WHO I AM…”

…in a way that means we can ponder Him every moment of every day for our entire lives and never plumb the depths of who He is.

…in a way that implies that even if He splayed Himself openly for Moses and the Israelites and Pharaoh and you and me and all to see, our feeble minds still could not comprehend who He is. And certainly, our eyes couldn’t bear to gaze upon Him.

…in a way that reminds us that He doesn’t answer to us for any act or any word or any circumstance. “I AM WHO I AM” doesn’t owe me anything. Not the slightest touch, not the merest thought, not the most fleeting glance. Certainly no explanations or justifications.

The Uncreated Lord of Glory who is unbound by time and space and matter is utterly beyond my comprehension, and completely above my reach.

And this would be a pretty scary reality…

if it weren’t for the perfect beauty and grace of who He is.

You see, in verse 15 God goes on to say, “This is My name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.”

“All generations” includes me. God is I AM to me.

“I AM WHO I AM” means that my God can be my all, because He is my Everything.

Whatever I need, HE IS.

When I was still an alien and enemy of God, He was (and is) Jehovah Tskidkenu, my Righteousness.

When I stumble and fall and fail Him yet again, He is Jehovah M’kaddesh, the Lord who sanctifies.

When I’m physically ill or spiritually sick or emotionally unwell, He is Jehovah Rophi, the Lord who heals.

In times of turmoil, He is Jehovah Shalom, the Lord of peace.

In all of life, the good and the bad, in obvious ways and in ways we take for granted, He is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider.

When we’re struggling against the enemies of Satan, sin, and self, He is Jehovah Nissi, our Banner and our Victory.

Whether we’re feasting in green pastures or being led through shadowed valleys, He is Jehovah Rohi, our Shepherd.

And since before my birth into this world and during every moment thereafter, He is Jehovah Shammah, the Lord who is near.

Can you think of a single circumstance in life that’s not covered by the beauty of who He is?

I can’t. And I couldn’t be more thankful.

Written by Jennifer Clarke