The Great I AM

Posted by Dion Todd October 14th, 2024 1,175 Views 29 Comments

Moses had been tending sheep for forty years in the land of Midian when the Lord appeared to him in a burning bush. The bush was on fire but never burned up. The Lord told Moses that He had heard the cries of the Israelites who were suffering as slaves in Egypt. Then He said, "Come now, and I will send you." (Exodus 3:10).

Then, an interesting conversation unfolded. Moses knew how powerful the Egyptians were, and he was well aware of his own weaknesses—especially now that he was eighty years old. So, he began making excuses, explaining why this was a bad idea and why the Lord should send someone else. In truth, Moses was uniquely qualified for this mission: he was a Hebrew raised among the Egyptians, he loved his people, and he spoke both languages fluently. There was no one better suited for the task. Moses had been born for this very purpose.

The Lord was unwavering in His request, and Moses was understandably perplexed. The plan, as he understood it, was to return to Egypt and tell the Hebrews, "Hey, I found this bush in the desert that caught fire and started talking to me. It told me to come and lead you all out of Egypt." Right... Moses knew how that would sound, so he asked the Lord, "Who should I say sent me?"

(Exodus 3:13–14 NKJV) Then Moses said to God, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His name?' what shall I say to them?" And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' "

The Almighty God, Creator of the universe, Maker of the stars—the true original Mister Incredible—introduced Himself simply as "I AM." Compare that to today's flashy titles like the "Rev. Dr. Apostle Baloney." God's message was straightforward: "I AM has sent me to you." It didn't reduce His power, but it's a reminder that fancy titles don't add power, either. The Lord didn't elaborate further, but the story doesn't end there.

Whatever you need, "I AM" is that. There is nothing the Lord cannot do. He is the Creator of all things. The Great I AM has no limits and no shortages. We consider gold rare and precious, yet in heaven, the streets will be paved with it:

(Revelation 21:21-23 NKJV) The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.

Can you imagine stepping out of your home and walking on streets of pure gold, taking a peaceful stroll by the river of life, and being surrounded by the radiant glory of God? That day is coming.

(John 14:2-3 NKJV) In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

When Jesus Christ was asked by the Jews who He was, He told them this:

(John 8:57-58 NKJV) Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."

Jesus called Himself "I AM," and the Jews immediately tried to stone Him. They understood that He was referring to the divine name revealed in the book of Exodus. It wasn't just a title—He carried the power of God with it. On the night Judas betrayed Jesus, leading a group of Roman soldiers to the garden, something remarkable happened:

(John 18:3–6 NKJV) Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, "Whom are you seeking?" They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am (He)." And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, "I am (He)," they drew back and fell to the ground.

When Jesus declared, "I AM," the entire group of brave, sword-wielding soldiers fell to the ground. The word "He" is italicized in some translations, indicating it was added later for clarity and wasn't part of the original text. What Jesus said was simply, "I AM."

Seven times in the book of John, Jesus used the title of "I AM" along with a description. Many of them were tied to miracles. Jesus said:

* "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35) shortly after feeding the 5,000.

* "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12) after healing the man born blind.

* "I am the door" (John 10:7).

* "I am the good shepherd (John 10:11).

* "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25), just before raising Lazarus from the dead.

* "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).

* "I am the true vine (John 15:1).

These two small yet all-encompassing words carry incredible depth. In the book of Revelation, Jesus declares Himself as the Almighty:

(Revelation 1:8 NKJV) "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

Jesus was, Jesus is, and Jesus is yet to come. He existed before the Earth was formed and will always be—eternal and unchanging.

(Colossians 1:15–16 NKJV) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

In the end, the message is clear: Jesus is the eternal "I AM." He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. He was there before the foundations of the Earth, and He will be there long after time as we know it ceases. Whatever we need, He is. His power is limitless, His presence everlasting, and His promises true. Let us take comfort in knowing that the Great I AM walks with us, leads us, and invites us into His eternal glory—a place where the streets are gold, the river of life flows, and we are surrounded by the radiant presence of God forever.

You can pray this with me if you like:

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please draw my heart to You. Teach me what I need to know, and set me free from the things that hold me back. I want to be a part of what You are doing today. Please lead me and guide me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!