The book of Exodus marks a new chapter for the Israelites. They have spent many years as slaves to the Egyptians and God has chosen Moses to lead them out of Egypt and into the Promise Land of Caanan. Chapter 3 holds a very important phrase that carries us through the whole Bible:

I AM WHO I AM
Four simple words on the surface, yet they are overflowing with significance to Israel and to us as well.

This phrase is, at the most basic level, is God’s way of describing Himself. Because this is such a rich, deep topic, I don’t feel adequate to expound on this on my own. Check out what the famed theologian, Matthew Henry has to say about this. (This excerpt come from the LifeWay online Bible-the abridged version of Matthew Henry’s commentary)

A name that denotes what he is in himself, I AM THAT I AM. This explains his name Jehovah, and signifies, 1. That he is self-existent: he has his being of himself. 2. That he is eternal and unchangeable, and always the same, yesterday, to-day, and for ever. 3. That he is incomprehensible; we cannot by searching find him out: this name checks all bold and curious inquiries concerning God. 4. That he is faithful and true to all his promises, unchangeable in his word as well as in his nature; let Israel know this, I AM hath sent me unto you. I am, and there is none else besides me. All else have their being from God, and are wholly dependent upon him. Also, here is a name that denotes what God is to his people. The Lord God of your fathers sent me unto you. Moses must revive among them the religion of their fathers, which was almost lost; and then they might expect the speedy performance of the promises made unto their fathers.

Did you catch point number one? God is self existent. Have you ever really thought about this fact? Our God is above all. He is in and of Himself; no one or no thing existed before God. This means that He is the creator of all things because God was in existence before all things. Pretty deep…
Because of this, we all are dependant on Him whether we like it or not; whether we acknowledge it or not. Because we were created by God, there is no way that we are independent of Him. The implications of this are huge! Every breath we take, every beat of our heart, every cell in our body is because of God. Once we really wrap our mind around this fact, we can’t help but be humbled and acknowledge that we need God. Let me say that again, WE NEED GOD!! Not just for our physical being, but for our emotional and spiritual being.

Are you the type that thinks that you don’t need anyone to help you in this world? Think again. This type of thought process just keeps you from enjoying God’s power, grace, goodness and love in your life. Surely you wouldn’t want to miss out on that!

LIVE IT OUT! application:
Reread the Matthew Henry commentary. What description of I AM stands out and means the most to you? Take time to pray to your I AM and let God know that you acknowledge His ultimate greatness and that you want to know more and more of who He is.