Day 3: God’s name reveals His character.
Read Exodus 3:11-14, paying particular attention to verse 14. Notice how God identifies Himself.
The words I AM have been the focus of much theological study. The wordplay on the Hebrew verb “to be” is understood well in the Septuagint’s translation, “I am the One who is.” Simply put, God’s nature is not dependent on anything other than Himself. God is beyond our exhaustive knowledge, and yet He graciously chooses to reveal Himself to humanity. While He is not completely comprehensible, in revealing His personal name He lovingly shows that He is knowable. In this sense, the more you know about God, the more you do not know.
God simply is. God will be who He is. This required that Moses trust Him, His word, and what He chose to reveal at that time. In Hebrews 1:1-2 we are told, “Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son.” Jesus is the clearest revelation of God to man. For this reason, the name I AM anticipates the “I am” sayings of Jesus in the Gospel of John, which show His deity (see, for example, John 8:58). Moreover, God’s promise to be with Moses foreshadows Jesus’ promise to be with the disciples as they go on mission with God (Matt. 28:18-20).
How do the realities behind God’s name give you confidence? Take time to pray, sharing your doubts, confessing your shortcomings, and asking that He will help you with your doubts. Memorize Exodus 3:14.
This excerpt is one of five Daily Explorations from the weekly session “Reluctance” in the Fall 2017 issue of Explore the Bible: Daily Discipleship Guide. The new Daily Discipleship Guide aligns group members personal daily Bible study with the group experience. Preview one month free and register for the free webinar at LifeWay.com/ExploreDaily
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