Day 1: I am. . . - 1 February 2017
Series: I AM
Benescke Janse van Rensburg
It was a hot day in the desert where the shepherds were tending their sheep. The burning bush in the distance drew Moses' attention. As he walked toward it, he suddenly heard a loud voice, "Moses! Moses!" Missing a heart beat, he paused for a moment before answering: "Yes, it is me ..." The voice continued to speak from the burning bush: "Do not come any closer. Take off your shoes, for you are standing on holy ground."
"Who am I that I can go to Pharaoh to free the Israelites?" Moses asked shakily after God commanded him to go to Egypt. Moses knew the royal household. He lived there for years and he understood how impossible it would be for him as a "common man" to convince Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. In Exodus 3:12 God encouraged him: "I will be with you..." Still Moses was afraid: "Who shall I say sent me?" Then God answered: "I AM WHO I AM... Thus you shall say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you."
Because Moses obeyed even though he was still scared, he experienced that I AM never left him. I AM was with him when he had to negotiate with Pharaoh. It was also I AM who made a way through the Red Sea for the Israelites; gave the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai; provided the manna and quail as food in the desert; dropped the walls of Jericho; and guided the Israelites to enter into the Promised Land. Still today, I AM looks after the Israelites - but also each of us following Him.
But who is this I AM to you? Do you know Him personally or do you just know about Him? Do you hear his voice when He speaks to you? Knowing and loving Him, is the essence of our faith. And it is when we start seeking Him, that we discover how involved He really is in our every day lives. May we turn our eyes upon Him and rest in Him, knowing that He is also saying to us today: "I will be with you." God bless.
Father God, thank you for always staying the same. I praise You for the privilege of belonging to You because Your son died for me. Please open my eyes so I will get to know you more intimately this month. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Assignment for the day: Take a pen and paper and write down the attributes of God. In the next month, I want us to rediscover Him together. You can add more characteristics during the month. Let us thank Him for never changing.
Feedback: Give feedback or share any testimony showing God's character (providence, protection, love, etc) at