The Eternal I AM!

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM and WHAT I AM, and I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE”; and He said, “You shall say this to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you! … This is My name forever, and by this name I am to be remembered to all generations.” (Exodus 3:14-15, AMPC)

Early risers of all generations have been greeted by a bright point of light above the predawn Eastern horizon, heralding the coming of a new day. This morning star signifies that night is coming to an end and soon bright sunlight will appear, supporting life in all of creation. Today we recognize that the morning “star” varies during the year. It can be the planet Mercury, the star Sirius, or, in the case of the brightest morning star, the planet Venus (the third brightest object in Earth’s sky). Was the use of “the morning star” in Revelation 22:16 simply a literary device, or did it perhaps signify something more?

I was less than 10 years old when I first read these verses, and today I am 74. I have always been fascinated about the who and what of our God. He exists, He is eternal, He is relational, and He does not change. He is simply, I AM! And Jesus, the Word, the One who became flesh, was in the beginning. He was with God, and He was God (John 1:1-2,14).

God called Moses from a burning bush. When I was six years old, God called me to salvation. Regardless of who we are or what choices we may have made, He wants a personal relationship with each of us! He desired it with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, and He desires it throughout eternity with all who believe He is who and what He says He is!

In these days after Easter, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2, NIV). Not only did He shed His blood for all our sins, but He is also the eternal I AM, the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.  

St. Augustine said, “Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.”  I have not seen the eternal I AM, but I do believe in the eternal I AM!  May all of us believe, and someday we will be rewarded for our faith as we see Him face to face!

Author

Richard Flatbush is married to Sharon Dalusong. Between the two, they have five married children, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandsons. Richard and Sharon joined Nashville First Baptist within the last year. Richard received a B.A. in Religion from William Jewell College and has attended seminary in Missouri and Texas. He has been ordained as a Southern Baptist minister and deacon, serving churches in various capacities.

___________________________

 

Hymns & Worship Songs: