Vibrant Hope: The Indomitable God
Friday 7/19/2024
Exodus 3:14 (NIV) 14 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.’”
In this verse, God reveals his name to Moses when asked who he should say has sent him to the Israelites. God responds with the enigmatic statement, “I am who I am.” The original meaning of the verse is to establish God’s unique and transcendent nature, emphasizing his self-sufficiency and eternal existence. The verse signifies God’s self-existence, eternal nature, and sovereignty. It conveys that God is not defined by anything outside of himself, but rather he is self-existent and unchanging. The real meaning of the verse goes beyond a mere declaration of God’s existence. It signifies that God is the ultimate reality, the source of all existence, and the one who is in control of all things.
Why did God call himself this name? By calling himself “I am who I am,” God is asserting his timeless and unchanging nature. This name emphasizes that God is not dependent on anything else for his existence and that he is the ultimate authority and source of all things. A supporting scripture is found in Malachi 3:6 — “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” This verse reinforces the idea of God’s unchanging nature and his faithfulness to his people.
The verse from Exodus 3:14 reveals a foundational aspect of God’s nature as the self-existent and unchanging Creator. It invites us to contemplate God’s infinite and sovereign nature, reinforcing our trust in him as the ultimate source of life and truth.
It is recommended to explore other passages in the Bible where God’s character and nature are revealed, such as in the Psalms and the book of Isaiah. Additionally, studying theological resources on the nature of God can provide a deeper understanding of this profound concept.
By Pastor AK Mannah