In Scripture, a person’s name often means his character or ability, or mission — especially when God gives the name. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham to show that he had made him the father of many nations (Gn 17:5). God changed Sarai’s name to Sarah (Gen 17:15). He changed Jacob’s name to Israel (Gen 32:28). Therefore, not only were their names changed but also were their destinies.
The name of I AM is how God chose to introduce Himself. It conveys His dominion over all things, the source of His power, and His eternal nature: I AM. No matter when or where, He is there. He stands, ever-present and unchangeable, completely sufficient in Himself to do what He wishes to do and to accomplish what He wishes to accomplish.
Jesus self-identified as part of this holy and present God in John 8:58 when He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am. It is a name above names, one that reminds the believer that God is in control, and that He sees His children.
Each of the many names of God describes a different aspect of His many-faceted character. He chooses names for the sake of revealing things about himself. This way, we can understand who He is and that He accomplishes what He promises. He shows us He is Yahweh – Jireh when we need His provision (Gen 22:14); He is Yahweh – Rapha when we cry out for healing (Exo 15:26); He is Yahweh – Shalom, our peace, even in the midst of overwhelming odds; He is El Elyon, “Most High”, the only true God who should be worshiped or exalted (Deut 26:19).
This is the great I AM. He is what we need, He does what we cannot do, He fulfills all His promises. Our greatest wisdom is to obey His commands cheerfully and to be faithful and focused on serving Him with all our strength, mind, and heart.
I encourage you to join the psalmist in Psalms 30:4 and “Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, according to your Words, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Even so, you have an interest in me. Thank you for your willingness of relating to me and reveal to me who you are. Thank you for being my provision, my healing, my peace, my victory, my comfort, and redemption. Help me experience who you are each day, so I can enjoy life to the full! In Jesus’ name, amen.
