I AM – Be Still…

John 18:1-14 – Jesus’ Arrest

Jesus knew this moment was coming. Can you imagine the agony of living with that knowledge? While Jesus had been preparing for this, his disciples were still not ready despite all the warnings Jesus had given them. Jesus still felt the need to protect them.

I have always been surprised by the “contingent” that came to arrest Jesus that night. There could have been hundreds of troops accompanying Judas. We’re not given an exact number, but clearly, they expected a battle. Continue reading “John 18:1-14 – Jesus’ Arrest”

Mark 14:53-72 – Guilty!

Read Mark 14:53-72

Guilty of what exactly? The religious leaders were floundering to figure out what to charge Jesus with that would convict him of death. Jesus’ visit to the home of the High Priest was certainly not by choice, and the hospitality was seriously lacking. After parading several witnesses through this laughable “trial court” scene, it was clear nobody could collaborate.

And then it happened. After remaining silent for what must have seemed like an eternity, Jesus spoke. He responded to their inquiry about whether he was the Messiah. What was Jesus’ response? He said, “I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Continue reading “Mark 14:53-72 – Guilty!”

Leviticus 19:1-37 – What Holiness Looks Like

Read Leviticus 19:1-37

What a list! On the whole, these instructions seem wise and beneficial to maintaining a right relationship with God. Just because Jesus came, I don’t think we should overlook God’s desire for his people to be holy. For he says, “You must be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” In the New Testament, 1 Peter 1:15-16 reaffirms this command.

Several times, we read this exclamation, “I AM the LORD your God.” As if God’s message needed emphasis or the people needed to be reminded who was speaking. If God speaks, we certainly want to be listening. Even if the original audience of these words isn’t us directly, we can and should open our ears and our minds to reflect on God’s message. Continue reading “Leviticus 19:1-37 – What Holiness Looks Like”

Exodus 3:13-15 ? Who is God?

Read Exodus 3:13-15

A red heart with the word God inside it in white letters

Can you even imagine meeting God face to face? That’s what was happening to Moses in our reading today. Do you remember the story of the burning bush? Moses was in the presence of the almighty and great I AM! God introduced himself as “I AM WHO I AM.” The emphasis here cannot be denied. God also says, “This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations.” Yahweh is the great I AM!

God has given us a message here, revealing a little of his majesty! His name is eternal! That is, God has no beginning or no end. Hallelujah! Let’s not lose any of the magnitude of this message Moses received. It is profound.