Exodus 3:14 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
“I AM WHO I AM.”
I am sure Moses was thinking, Thanks God you answer is so revealing.
Seriously, think about it. What an answer...
I have been working on this sermon series “What’s in a Name?” for a while. And I am sure some people are wondering, what is the big deal about exploring the names of God? I might suggest that perhaps it is the many names in scripture which reveal the many characteristics of God. Perhaps it is to understand that God meets us where we are, understands our desires and provides for our every need.
I think too often we seal off the questioning side of us. We want our faith to be black and white. We are afraid to admit we have questions about God or God’s nature. Some worry when children ask us the deep “God-questions.” Others panic or discourage children from even asking; yet I would propose that God delights in our questions. God yearns for us to care enough to actually ask and explore. God enjoys it when we are willing to explore new areas of learning and revelation. I heard some individuals say, God is puzzled and annoyed when we stop raising questions, foolishly thinking we have solved the mystery of the universe.
I came up with this series because the names of God have long fascinated me. And I hope some of you may have questions about why there are so many and what they mean. I thought this would be a good time for us to explore and discover for ourselves what relevance this subject has for us today.
Do you know what Elohim means? What about Jehovah Rophe or Jehovah Raah? What about Adonia?
Check out the sermons online or I will see you alone the journey as we worship each week.
