“I AM” IS WITH YOU

There’s a lot to read about Moses in the Bible. He first appears as a tiny Israelite baby. His mother sent him off in a basket, sailing down the Nile River, to save his life. He was rescued by a princess of Egypt. So even though all the other Hebrews in the land were slaves, Moses grew up as a prince in a palace. But Moses was still a Hebrew in his heart. When he tried to defend a Hebrew slave, he killed an Egyptian. Afraid that the Egyptian king would try to kill him, he ran away into the wilderness.

That’s where Moses became a shepherd. And that’s where Moses met God. It wasn’t the usual sort of meeting. There was no “Hello. Nice to meet you” or “I haven’t seen you around here before.” This meeting started with a bush, crackling with flames of fire. But it did not burn up!

Moses spotted this bush and knew he had to get a closer look. The bush spoke—or rather, God spoke from the bush: “Moses, Moses!” (Exodus 3:4). I’m guessing that’s when Moses realized this was not going to be just another day with the sheep.

God had a mission for Moses: go back to Egypt, lead his people out of that land, and lead them to a better place. But Moses wasn’t sure about that plan. Why would the Israelites trust him?

That’s when God said, “When you go to the people of Israel, tell them, ‘I AM sent me to you’” (v. 14).

I AM had a special meaning in the Hebrew language, the language of the Israelites. It means that God always lives and is always with his people. Always. That means back there in the desert with Moses, and it means right here today. Whenever you’re worried or upset or scared or just having the worst day, call to him. Then remember that I AM is with you and He will lead you to a better place.

PRAY

God, you are the great I AM. You have always been and will always be. And best of all, You are always with me. Amen.