January 20th | Exodus 3

     Names hold weight. They aren’t just collections of letters; they represent identity and character. At a recent retreat, I wore a name tag and introduced myself. People associated my name with who I am. When our name is praised, we feel validated; when it’s slandered, we feel crushed.

     In Exodus 3, God reveals His name to Moses: I AM. After 400 years of silence and slavery, God speaks, declaring a name that isn’t just an identifier but a statement of His eternal, unchanging nature. God wasn’t created, doesn’t depend on anything, and doesn’t change—He simply is.

     Yet, how often do we try to redefine God to suit our preferences? “God wouldn’t act like that,” or, “This is how I think God is.” But God’s name reveals that He is not who we imagine Him to be—He is who He is. He is holy, distinct, and powerful, and that demands a response.

     The question is: will you listen? The Great I AM is still speaking today. Too often, we prioritize our name over His, seeking our recognition and way. But if we truly want to know Jesus, we must surrender our name and find joy in being known by His.

1. God’s Holiness Demands a Response

     Moses was tending sheep when he saw a bush on fire but not consumed. Approaching it, God called out, “Moses, Moses!” His presence transformed ordinary ground into holy ground, and God commanded Moses to remove his sandals as an act of reverence.

     God’s holiness isn’t just “set apart”; it’s powerful and dangerous to sinners. Like fire, it draws us in but can consume us if we approach casually or in sin. When Moses realized who was speaking, he hid his face in fear.

     Isaiah had a similar experience in Isaiah 6. Seeing the Lord, he cried, “Woe is me! For I am lost; I am a man of unclean lips.” Even sinless angels covered their faces in God’s holy presence.

      This isn’t a God we approach lightly. His holiness exposes sin and demands repentance. But here’s the incredible part: this same holy God chooses to use flawed people like Moses—and us—to accomplish His purposes.

     God told Moses, “I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people out of Egypt” (Ex. 3:10). His call still comes to us today. But will we humbly respond, recognizing His holiness and our need for repentance?

2. We Make Excuses, but God Provides

     Moses hesitated. “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” he asked. God didn’t respond with assurances of Moses’ abilities but with a promise: “I will be with you” (Ex. 3:12).

     We often feel inadequate for what God calls us to do. Like Moses, we may think, “God, I can’t do this. I’ve made too many mistakes.” But God’s answer isn’t about our capability—it’s about His presence.

     When Moses asked God’s name, He replied, “I AM WHO I AM” (Ex. 3:14). This name reveals God’s eternal, self-existent nature. Unlike Egypt’s false gods, God isn’t limited or dependent—He simply is.

    Still, Moses doubted. “What if they don’t believe me?” he asked. God provided signs: a staff turned to a snake, a hand healed from leprosy, and water turned to blood. Yet Moses still protested, claiming he wasn’t a good speaker. God reassured him: “I will be with your mouth” (Ex. 4:12).

  God’s call isn’t about our abilities. It’s about His sufficiency. Even when Moses doubted, God graciously allowed Aaron to assist him. This shows us that God works through our weaknesses when we trust Him.

3. The Great I AM Is Enough

     Moses’ mission wasn’t about him—it was about God. The same is true for us. In moments of doubt, remember Jesus’ promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). The Great I AM is with you, equipping you for the task He’s called you to.

     So, will you let go of your name—your excuses, fears, and pride—and trust the One who is? The Great I AM is speaking. Are you listening?