Exodus 3:14-15 God said to Moses, “I-AM-WHO-I-AM. Tell the People of Israel, ‘I-AM sent me to you.’” God continued with Moses: “This is what you’re to say to the Israelites: ‘God, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob sent me to you.’ This has always been my name, and this is how I always will be known.

Moses knew what he was about to do, would cause ructions. He also realised he couldn’t it in his own name, because his name did not carry enough value. On the contrary, his name was actually linked to murder.

He knew he needed reinforcements. Big reinforcements. To get such a rebellious people behind him, he had to bring the big guns. An even bigger obstacle probably was the pharaoh, because he was not going to simply open the gates when asked.

God answered Moses simply, actually too simply at first hearing: “I am who I am.” In Hebrew it is Ehyeh asher ehyeh, which can also mean: “I will be what I will be” or “I am the One who is.”

This is not some philosophical mystery that we must first work out. God is not like the Egyptian gods who took the form of images bound by space and time. He is the living, self-existent God, the All-Other. He is not controlled by humans.

God further declares that He is the God of the beginning and of their forefathers: the eternal One who has always existed and remains present today. God’s name means His presence and His trustworthiness. They can trust Him, because He is always present.

In other words: Moses did not have to rely on his own strength. He acted on behalf of the One who always remains and always is present. This gave Moses the authority, power, and strength.

Intimacy begins when I do not try to define or control God, but call on Him as He reveals Himself. He is Who He is, as He has always been.

God is basically saying: “Don’t put Me in a box but trust My character.” In uncertain times, God’s greatest gift is not always a plan, but a Name: He is present, He remains the same, He will be what He promises to be.

Prayer
Father, I believe that You are the Almighty. With You I can face all my challenges …

Questions
Do I sometimes try to understand and control God rather than trusting Him?
What changes in my life when I realise God is always present?
Do I live with the certainty that the “I am” walks with me?

Do this now
Take a few minutes today to simply tell God who He is to you.
Read this passage from Exodus again and remind yourself that God does not change.
Bring your biggest challenge of today to Him and say out loud, “Lord, You are with me.”