When God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, Moses’ tentative response included a question “What shall I say Your Name is?” (Exodus 3:13). God replied “I AM WHAT I AM” (Ex. 3:14). God is- the eternally present One. A name so sacred among Jews, that they dared not even pronounce it. It is sometimes difficult for us to understand fully, what God meant by declaring this His name.
But when Jesus came, He explained it further and we understand the meaning of God’s name. To those who were confounded by His teaching, Jesus added, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). This infuriated the Jews of that time so much, that they took stones to throw at Jesus. But Jesus hid Himself and went out… (v59).
Jesus went on to explain about who He is… and our picture of the GREAT I AM becomes clearer. Jesus started declaring “I AM…” this and that… and we can reflect on what He said and appropriate it here and now into our present circumstances.
Today, I would like to share 7 sayings of Jesus about who He is!
1. I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35)
We can go about hearing so many people giving lectures, seminars, discourses on the art of living… but it will really profit us nothing in our spirit. But when we hear the words of Jesus, our spirit yields and is satisfied. And we come to know life, as it was meant to be!
Therefore, whenever you are hungry (spiritually), feed on the words of Jesus; for “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Jesus”. And in the midst of all your busy schedules, and things that you try to do, remember the words of Jesus- for they are spirit and they are life. Feed on the words of Jesus… and you will never hunger; believe in Him and you will never thirst.
2. I am the light of the world (John 8:12)
Jesus is the light of the world; He stepped down into darkness and opened our eyes that we may see! John 1:4 says: In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
If you are in darkness, the life of Jesus is your light. When Jesus came into this world, the people who lived in darkness could not comprehend His light. (John 1:5). But you and I, can have light in us- and around us, as we think of the life of Jesus. We can be people who walk in the light, just as He is in the light.
3. I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:14)
He guides us; He guards us; He feeds us! What a wonderful privilege to have God as our Shepherd. The Shepherd goes before His flock, and the sheep hear His voice and follow Him. He keeps us from straying away; He leads us beside still waters and green pastures; He satisfies our soul. We are the sheep of His hand; and we can boldly confess “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want”. He knows us by name and He allows us to know Him.
Why should you think that there is nobody to care? Why makes you think that God has left you to fend for yourself all alone? God is interested in you as an individual; He is involved in the process of intricately working out the details of your blessedness; He is intimately acquainted with all your ways. He knows your standing up and sitting down- Now how could He leave you alone?
If you so desire, the Lord will be your Shepherd. You can hear His voice and go after Him. And you can boldly confess “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”
4. I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
What glorious hope to those who are Christ’s! Jesus conquered death and has the keys to Hades; therefore we need not fear the evil day. Jesus said: “He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”
We can walk this life with confidence; because He lives, we will live too! And if we are absent from the body, we will be present with the Lord; (there is no in-between place for our souls to rest, pray or to get better and then jump into heaven someday!) We can finish this race victoriously with Jesus. There is no problem too big, God cannot solve it! His name is everlasting!
5. I am the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6)
There are not many ways leading to glory! There are no two ways to know the truth that sets you free. There is only ONE way- Jesus! No one comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ- this is the simple truth! Not all roads lead to heaven; and no amount of commendable works will get you there. There is only one Mediator between God and man- Jesus Christ.
6. I am the true vine (John 15:1)
When we come to Him, and yield ourselves to His will, we become branches that abide in Jesus Christ. Jesus explains in that chapter about how you can bear much fruit, as we learn to abide in Him. Apart from Him, we can do nothing – we cannot bear fruit. But with Him, all things are possible! We will bear much fruit…
We have value only if we have Jesus- we must understand this and be aware that we are only branches attached to the true vine. Apart from Him, whatever works we do will only amount to nothing. We are stewards- channels through which the blessings of God flow through to others.
7. I am the First and the Last- the alpha and omega (Rev. 1:17)
Before the world began, Jesus was there; and at the end of time, Jesus is there. And in the in-between time, we find our security in Him alone- who was and is and is to come. We cannot see the future- but we know Someone who will be there- Jesus, the First and the Last. So we can face our tomorrows! He will lead us to rich fulfillment and afterward receive us to glory. He has promised “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20)
How blessed we are to have the GREAT I AM. Moses may not have had this privilege of knowing God by His name… but we have it through Jesus Christ.
And therefore in our own experiences here on earth, we can take courage because God- who says who He is, is with us! And we will come to know Him as the God who says who He is, indeed!
May the testimony of Jesus enlighten our understanding and help us to grow closer in our walk with Him. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment