Scripture: Exodus 3:13-15
But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, “What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, “I am has sent me to you.’ “ God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, “The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’: This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.
Thought for the Day: I have three names (first, middle and last), but they really are not very revealing about who I am. When God uses three different names, they are very self-revealing. At first, God shrouds the divine nature in mystery—I am who I am. Those words sound so ambiguous, yet they also describe One who is self-reliant and autonomous. Then God gives the great “I am” statement which is usually followed by some noun that further describes the individual. In God’s case, it remains empty as if God is saying there is no single word that would make sense. Instead, I am the One who cannot be defined, yet I define and give meaning to all others. And finally, God makes a significant transition as the divine nature is connected to the great names in Jewish history: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This One who cannot be defined is One who still wishes to be in relationship with humanity. There is a lot to learn and a lot to ponder in these words, yet I see One who continues to challenge me whenever I try to wrap up God in some easily defined package.
Prayer: Awesome God, let me never forget that you will always be more than I will understand. Amen.
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