Family Group Night | March 19, 2023

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.’”

In Exodus, chapter 3 we read the account of a man named Moses. Although raised in Egypt in the Palace of the King he was not a Egyptian. He was a Hebrew. Hebrews at that time were slaves in Egypt. And had not Pharaoh’s daughter found him, floating in a basket, Moses would have been killed along with all the other Hebrew baby boys of that time. Growing up in Pharaoh’s household, he rebelled against the injustices done to the Hebrews. He ended up as an exile in the desert, living out his days as a shepherd. But one day he saw a bush burning constantly but never being consumed. And then he heard the voice of God emanating from the bush. “Moses! Moses! Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then God commissioned Moses to go back to Egypt as a leader who would deliver the Hebrews from bondage to freedom. But then, Moses’ excuses began. “What if they don’t believe me.” “I’m slow of speech, I’m not eloquent.” “Who am I that I should be called to do this.” And then he asks God the most important question of all – “Who are You?”

1. God said, “I am who I am,” when Moses asked his name. Why does God refuse to be labeled and named?

2. Some say the proper name of God in Hebrew is Yahweh or Jehoveh. But the name “Yahweh” is simply the word “I am.” His name is not a name at all. It’s a statement that “He is.” Why is it impossible to name God?

3. In John chapter 8 the Pharisees challenged Jesus in verse 13, “Your testimony is not valid.” In verse 19 they asked Him, “Where is your father?” And in verse 25 they questioned Him, “Who are you?” And to all of these accusations, Jesus replied “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” And in verse 59 when the Pharisees heard Jesus say, “I am,” they picked up stones to stone him. What was so controversial about Jesus’ statement, “I am”?

1. WORSHIP AND ADORE THE “I AM” GOD. Fall on your face before your Creator! He is worthy of our praise!

2. FIND YOUR IDENTITY IN THE “I AM” GOD – Stop trying to make the Lord what you want Him to be and follow His plan. He defines us; we do not define Him. He loves you!

I praise you, Lord. From everlasting to everlasting, you are God. Your ways are unimaginable. Your love is immeasurable. And your name is unmentionable. Your greatness and power and glory are eternal. You are! And I thank you for stooping down to pick me up in your love. AMEN