The LORD Who Lives Forever (Exodus 3:13-22)

There is currently a mutiny underway in Russia. The Wagner group, which once offered protection, is no longer trustworthy in supporting the nation's leadership. Russians in the path of the Wagner group are in a tough situation. Should they trust this militia to take over the government and bring positive change to the nation? Or Is this a power-hungry group looking to step in and usher in a reign of terror worse than Putin's? There is a great level of uncertainty about who will come out on top and ultimately rule Russia. Russians can only wait and see.

The ancient Hebrews found themselves under a similarly abusive regime, though redemption was like a distant fantasy for them. Egypt oppressed the ancient Israelites and they often lofted deep cries of grief up to God. An answer would soon come, but could they trust that it was truly a work of God? Could an Egyptian mutiny spring up that would change their lives for the better? Or could an uprising only make their lives worse?

The God Who Is

After God met Moses in the burning bush and received his call to redeem Egypt, he had a question for God: "If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" (Exo. 3:13). Despite Moses’ “if”, this is a valid question. There may have been a hint of fear or hesitation, but there also seems to be some humility in the question. Did Moses genuinely want to know the name of God? Was he showing humility in realizing that he needed a higher authority than himself? We may never know.

God patiently answered Moses in a loving yet revelatory way: "I AM WHO I AM" (v. 14). He told Moses to relay to the Hebrews that "I AM" sent him. Moses should tell the Israelites that "the LORD (YHWH) the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you." (v.15). YHWH comes from the same Hebrew root as “I AM”, and is commonly written as Yahweh or Jehovah in English. The Old Testament writers wrote YHWH throughout the Old Testament at least 5,000 times, and our translations use LORD to indicate when YHWH is used.

Though Moses asked for God's name, it isn’t necessary to assume that the Hebrews didn't know God's name. We have reasons to believe that the Israelites knew the name of God, for they "began to call upon the name of the Lord" all the way back in the days of Seth (Gen. 4:26). This would make Moses’ question much more genuine. Yet, even if the people didn't know the name of the Lord prior to this revelation to Moses, they soon would call on the name of the LORD. YHWH is God's name forever, and He chose to be remembered by that name throughout all generations (v. 15).

What's In a Name?

Names carry less weight today than they did in times past. A name captured the essence or heart of a person, and knowing God's name was vital in a culture full of pantheism and polytheism. Puritans like Matthew Poole, Lewis Bayley, and Thomas Boston found much significance in the name "I AM WHO I AM":

• "I AM" points to the reality of God's being. He simply "is". He was what He was. He is what He is. He will be what He will be. But He always will be.
• "I AM" also reminds us of the necessity of God. It is necessary that God exists in order for everything else to exist.
• "I AM" draws us to the eternal nature of God. He has always existed and He will always exist.
• "I AM" directs us to the certainty of God's nature. He will never change, nor will His promises or His words ever fail to come to pass.

YHWH in the Flesh

As we look further in the Scripture, we also see the name and essence of YHWH applied to Jesus. Here are only a couple of examples:

• Jesus called Himself "I AM". Jesus said to His Jewish opponents, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am" (Joh. 8:58). This caused his opponents to pick up stones to kill Him because they felt that He was blaspheming God's name.
• The early church taught that Jesus is "I AM". The author of Hebrews explcitly taught that Jesus is God, especially in Hebrews 1. One passage he cited to teach us about the deity of Jesus is Psalm 102, which repeatedly addresses the LORD (YHWH), His throne, and His work in creation. This passage is directly applied to Jesus to show that He is one with YHWH in His creation, rule, and reign.
• John the Apostle saw the eternal Christ in His vision. In Revelation 1:8, we don't see the name YHWH, yet we see Jesus say, "I am the Alpha and the Omega... who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty". This is the meaning of "I AM WHO I AM". In His essence, Jesus is YHWH.

The unity of God is on full display as we see Jesus at one with His Father and the Holy Spirit.

The Faithful, Living God

After God revealed Himself to Moses, He called Moses to rally together the elders of Israel. God commanded Moses to let them know that the faithful, covenant-keeping God of their forefathers—YHWH—had seen what they were going through and came down to rescue them and bring them into a land flowing with milk and honey. This land was currently a full of different people groups who worshiped other gods and were soon to receive the just judgment of God for their idolatry.

God would soon send Moses and the elders with a message: "The LORD... has met with us; and now please let us go three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to our God" (v. 18). Keep these words in mind for later. God also reminded Moses that Pharaoh would harden his heart and refuse to listen. The LORD would work signs and wonders to force Pharaoh to let the people go, and on their way out, the women of Israel would plunder the Egyptians as they moved on toward freedom. YHWH would crush the greatest nation in the world through a weak yet faithful man, a group of women, and no military violence. Only He can get the glory for something so incredible!

Reflection Questions:

1. Why is it significant that God revealed His name and HIs essence to Moses and Israel? How can our knowledge of God’s name shape our private and public worship today?
2. How does the meaning of God's name, "I AM WHO I AM," impact our worldview? In other words, what are some ways that having faith in a living God can set us apart from people who worse false gods or profess no faith at all?
3. How have you struggled to desire God’s call to evangelize and spread the gospel? What are some of the “If I...” questions you ask God when you’re fearful or reluctant to obey Him?
4. How can the lessons from God's intervention in rescuing the Hebrews and choosing a faithful but weak leader like Moses help us see the work God can do through us? How have you seen God use other weak people for His glory?
5. How does the knowledge that Jesus is intimately and eternally one with YHWH help you trust Him more? How can that knowledge of Jesus be useful in evangelism and in answering objections or questions about the gospel?

Prayer Points:
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1. Pray for God to remind you of His name and essence (v. 13-15) Pray that God would give you a deeper appreciation for who He is and has revealed Himself to be. Thank Him that He has given us intimate knowledge of Himself through His Word.
2. Ask for faith in the Word and promises of God (v. 16-17). The ultimate promise of God is that He will rescue all who trust in Christ. Pray that God would help you believe the gospel more deeply every day. Ask also for the Spirit to prompt you of other promises of God as you go throughout your day.
3. Confess disobedience and pray for a submissive heart toward God (v. 18-22). Like Moses, God has laid out His plans and His way for us. We should confess times when we pursue our own way or attempt to do God’s work according to our preferences and standards. Ask for a heart that submits to the rule and reign of Christ in any and every aspect of life.

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Photo by Felix Mittermeier: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-constellation-2832084/