Today’s Scripture

Psalm 95:1-7               Exodus 3:1-8a, 10-15              Mark 14:1-11

 

            This week in the readings from Exodus we learn:

• How over the years the Israelites who were originally guests of honor in Egypt now were made slaves to Pharaoh.
• The birth of Moses and how he was saved by Pharaoh’s own daughter
• How Moses came to run for refuge and lived forty years in Moab
• In this reading how God called Moses to go back to his people, to deliver them from their slavery
• We will continue with the signs and different plagues God gave through Moses to Pharaoh and the people of Egypt

 

            The importance of a name.  We have read the importance of names from the very beginning.  Adam, which means “taken from the earth,” called his newly made companion “woman,” because she was taken out of man.  Her name, Eve, means:  life or living as it is through women that we receive our life and are born.  God changed Abram and Sarai to Abraham (father) and Sarah (princess).  Isaac’s name “laughter” was given long before Sarah laughed.  Jacob’s name meaning: “one who deceives” was changed to Israel meaning, “one who wrestles with God and man.”  Pharaoh’s daughter named Moses which is the Hebrew word meaning:  “draw out” as Moses was drawn out of the water where she found him.

 

            Your names are special.  Sometimes we have nick-names or other special names that identify who we are and to whom we belong.  Identification cards such as the driver’s license, passport, work and school ID’s, connect your name with your picture.  You cannot vote, receive a Social Security Card, and many other things without proof of your name. 

           

            God knows you by name.  [Isaiah 45:3] I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.  Your name is very important at baptism as I ask that question, “How are you/this child names?”  You are then baptized with that name God gave you through your parents. 

 

            In today’s reading God calls Moses by name.  But Moses has a very good question.  “Who should I say is sending me?” is his question.  “How will the people know that I am talking about you and on your behalf?”  God answered him with the name that describes who God is, “I AM.”  Note that God does not put anything after the word  “am.”  God simply is.  He exists.  There is no limitation to God, where he is, what he is, his power, his authority, his realm.  For the word “I AM” we say Jaweh.  During Old Testament times and at Jesus’ time, when that word appeared in Scripture, it was not said out of reference to God, but the word for “The Lord” was substituted at that time.

 

            God tells about who he is in his commands and promises to Moses.  He tells Moses, “I will be with you,” [v. 12].  Just before Moses’ death God extends this promise to Joshua and all of his people, that he will never leave or forsake them, [Deut 31 and Joshua 1].  Solomon includes this promise in the blessing of the assembly at the temple dedication, “May he never leave or forsake us,” [1 Kings 8:57].  This covenant God made is restated again in Hebrews.  It tells us that God is forever faithful.  That name, “I AM,” means everything to you and all who believe God at his words of promise.

 

            I AM the one who created all things.  Genesis 1

            I AM the one who made you and am always your God.

Psalm 22:10 From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God.

            I AM the one who gives you all good things. 

Psalm 145:15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.

            I AM the one who protects you from all trouble.

Psalm 91:15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

            I AM the one who delivers you from all evil.

2 Timothy 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

            I AM the one who rescues you from the unescapable and sets you on a solid place.

Psalm 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

            I AM the one who paid the price for your sins

Revelation 5:9b and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

            I AM will take you to be with him at the end of creation

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

 

            This week as we read the miracles and signs God performed to deliver his people from slavery in Egypt, they are all signs and miracles that point ahead to Jesus, who is God, who is the Son of God, who came and performed the signs and miracles that save us from the slavery to sin to freedom in him, not just for this life alone, but for all eternity.

            In Jesus’ undying love, knowing that he just “is,” now and forever.  Amen.