You are “I AM”

Things have been pretty quiet for the last week or so at Sevennotes. I’m studying for an exam in “Old Testament 1” (through Moore College External Studies). This subject focuses on the Pentateuch (first five books) and has been such an eye-opening journey, informing my understanding of everything else I read in the Bible. So I’ll call this ‘studying’ and share with you a few things I have been learning. The concepts are also refered to in a great song I heard today (for the first time), YOU ARE ‘I AM’ by Mercy Me. (You can listen at the end).

“I AM” is the name by which God revealed himself to Moses in the burning bush.
“I AM who I am” . . .”I AM has sent me to you” . . .”This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered”. (Exodus 3:14-15)
The Hebrew form of this name is Yahweh (seen in our English bibles as “LORD” in small capitals). This name expresses God’s character as the dependable, faithful God who desires the full trust of his people. In John 8:58-59 Jesus applied this name to Himself. Here are some other significant things I’ve learned about the name:
1. Giving the name established a relationship with the Israelites and made worship possible. The name was exclusively given to Israel, the name by which God would be known and worshipped.
2. In giving His name, God gave Himself. Yahweh established a new personal relationship with Moses – this was extended to the Israelites when they received his name in the Sinai covenant (Exodus 19) before the 10 Commandments were given. Note that God redeemed Israel and brough them into the covenant relationship before the law was given (ie. The Law can’t save).
3. The “I AM” name reminds us of God’s faithful and unchanging nature.
4. Faith included a personal response to God – Moses responded to God’s revelation of His name, in faith. This is how the Israelites were to respond. (This is how we must respond.)
5. To call on the new covenant name ‘Yahweh’ was to appeal to the covenant relationship which the giving of the name established.

God’s faithfulness to his own promises is what we must rely on! We draw on his faithfulness when we call on his name. For me this has really changed the significance those opening words of our prayers: “Dear God”. We are calling on all that He has done and all He is. The song below reminds us of all He is, and all we are in relation to the One who is “I AM”. (Thanks for studying with me!)

YOU ARE I AM
I’ve been the one to shake with fear
And wonder if You’re even here
I’ve been the one to doubt Your love
I’ve told myself You’re not enough

I’ve been the one to try and say
I’ll overcome by my own strength
I’ve been the one to fall apart
And to start to question who You are

You’re the one who conquers giants
You’re the one who calls out kings
You shut the mouths of lions
You tell the dead to breathe
You’re the one who walks through fire
You take the orphan’s hand
You are the one Messiah
You are I am
You are I am