Scripture:

   But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

   And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”

   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.’ ”

   God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ 

   “This is my name forever,
     the name you shall call me
     from generation to generation.”

— Exodus 3:11-15 (NIV)

 Devotional

One of the things that impresses me most about the story of Moses and the burning bush is God’s response to the question, “Who do I say you are?” He simply says, “I AM WHO I AM.” 

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “all hat and no cattle,” referring to someone who talks a lot, too much even, but can’t really back it up. God doesn’t need to dress up his resume or brag about his accomplishments. He is, and that’s all the proof He feels is necessary. He isn’t the new student in the band trying to add a flourish in their tryout to show her worth. He isn’t the nervous person in the business meeting who talks too much trying to show they deserve to be there. He just is. 

And not only that, He is enough. When Moses asks, “Who am I that I should go to Pharoah?” God says, “I will be with you.” Ultimately, that is enough for Moses, and as we come to know in our hearts that God is real, it is enough for us as we face trials and answer calls. 

Prayer:

Lord God, we know you by many names, ranging from simply “I am” to “Abba.” What a great honor to call on You in both awe and intimacy. Thank You for the great gift You’ve given us in allowing us to come into relationship and know the truth of Your love and mercy. You, Lord, are greater than our questions. Let us share Your love with others in humility. In Your Son Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

Written by Jon McHenry. Jon leads our devotional team, is a council member, worship speaker and part of the men's ministry at Arcola Church. He is a devoted husband and father.