2023_03_17 Insight Post- Emma Keeton
This week’s reading- Exodus 3, Matthew 2
Moses encounters God in Exodus 3 when he notices that a bush is on fire, but not burning up. As this strange phenomenon catches Moses’ attention, God calls out “Moses! Moses!” This is a holy moment and God instructs Moses to take off his shoes and stay back. Then God informs Moses that he is to be the one to lead Israel out of Egypt. This God is not a new God, This God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Let’s pick up the story in Exodus 3:13-14:
“Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” 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.”
By saying “I AM” God shows Moses that He is the eternal God. There was not a time that God has not existed and there will not be a time where He is no more. He is eternal.
In John 8, Jesus makes the same claim about himself to the Jews when they ask Jesus, “who do you think you are?”….”Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:53b; 58) While the Jews were enraged at Jesus’ statement, Jesus was telling the truth. He was the eternal God incarnate. Jesus was equal to the Father in every way.
What does this mean for us? Jesus makes 7 other I AM statements in John that show God’s nature towards us. As you read each one, picture what each one of these truths means for you.
I am the bread of life. (John 6:35)
I am the light of the world. (John 8: 12)
I am the door of the sheep. (John 10:7)
I am the good shepherd. (John 10:11)
I am the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25)
I am the way the truth and the life. (John 14:6)
I am the true vine. (John 15:1)
Our God is matchless, none are equal to him. He is the I AM. Let’s worship God today by honoring Him with our thoughts and actions!
Emma Keeton
Prayer Team Lead