Exodus 3:13-15 – Who is God?

Read Exodus 3:13-15

To fully understand this text, it’s helpful to have a bit of Moses’ backstory. Who is this man who had an audience with God, the Almighty? Moses, an Israelite by birth, had been raised surrounded by the Egyptians (the persecutors of God’s people). As an adult, God called Moses to be a great leader, facilitating God’s will. Enlisted for a mighty purpose, Moses didn’t feel qualified.

The truth that the LORD shares with Moses in this short passage is key because it is how God introduces himself. You may still be trying to figure out how you would introduce someone to the God you have found, to your Savior, Jesus.

God says he is the “I AM.” The capitalization is no accident. God is everything; that’s what the “I AM” means to me. God created everything into existence, so all things come from God. He holds the keys to heaven and to all we can see or imagine. God knows it all. We don’t have words grand enough to describe what “I AM” means because God is indescribable.

Can you even imagine meeting God face to face? That’s what was happening to Moses in our reading today. One of the key stories in the early days of God’s people is happening in this passage. Moses is having this conversation with God up on a mountain, and God is appearing to Moses in a bush that is on fire but not burning up.

How do you think Moses felt in the presence of the Almighty and great I AM? That introduction must have been quite confusing to Moses. Moses knew the people would want to know on what authority Moses was commanding them. After all, how many people remembered that Moses used to be dressed up as an Egyptian? Carrying God’s message would have been that powerful.

The beauty of this story is about how God entrusts us, not just Moses, to carry his name and rely on his power in our lives. That’s a mystery to most people, but when you start to follow Jesus, you become part of his family, and Jesus’ history includes this mountaintop experience.

If we’re searching for who God is, God reveals his majesty here. His name is eternal! That is, God has no beginning or end. Hallelujah! Let’s not rush past the magnitude of the message Moses received. It is profound for all believers. Many will miss out on its beauty and importance.

Put yourself in Moses’ shoes. How would you respond to being in God’s presence like that? Did you know we can be in the presence of God like that because of what Jesus did? Jesus opened the door for us to be in God’s presence. We can tap into the power of God living through us when we ask. We’ll explore more of that power when we meet the Holy Spirit.

For now, let the idea that God is all around you, guiding you, loving you. His power has no limit. You’ll find a link to a great song originally written by Phillips, Craig & Dean called “The Great I Am.” The lyrics of this song can help you focus on the majesty and greatness of God. It’s a powerful song.

I am in awe of the majesty of God, and that he would want a relationship with me! He wants one with you, too. Sit with that thought today.

Let’s pray. Father, thank you for opening my eyes to your majesty and might. Continue to give me the strength and endurance to run this race with you, Lord. Use me as you see fit today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.