The Great “I Am”
The great “I Am” is used many times in scripture. It is also a song that moved Linda – one of our baptism candidates this week – to tears. Below is a photo that captures her overwhelming feeling of God’s love and grace. This inspired me to share a little more, as another segment of our “Quick Church” blog.
Where did “I Am” come from?
“If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?” God replied to Moses, “I AM who I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:13-14 (NLT)
Why would God use this description of himself – because in reality, he defies description? Maybe that’s confusing to some people. I would argue that our world is confusing. Maybe we need a God that is so big, it blows our mind; an “I Am” who can bring us to tears of joy, like Linda; a God to trust who will make sense out of any sorrow or confusion.
Our Big God
Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice? Does he need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice? No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand. Isaiah 40:12-15 (NLT)
The “I Am” statements of Jesus
We could also include these two scriptures from the book of Revelation:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:8 (NLT)
“I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” Revelation 1:18 (NLT)
Worship:
Linda said this was her “theme song” this week: The Great I Am – New Life Worship. “The verses are awesome. The chorus is great. Makes me cry tears of joy and gratitude with Christ dying for our sins. Plus, the faith . . . God Almighty.”
Prayer:
Lord, this week we had some inspiring baptisms. We were also able to feed eight hungry families and provide some hope to many. More students and volunteers are joining our mission and more participants are nearing “graduation” in our “MAP For Healing and Recovery” program. These are the “highs” we are “addicted to” in this mission.
However, we also have some “lows.” We have long time volunteers marking the 5-year anniversary of their son’s death. In addition, one of our counselors is struggling with the loss of her son, 6 months ago. One student volunteer has lost a classmate to overdose and an older professor, at least partially, to COVID-19. In our mission community, there are marriage and family issues, extreme physical and mental health situations, various addictions, virus impact and many more prayer concerns. Therefore, I pray simply, Lord, that no matter what is going on in the world, in our community or in our family, that we always remember how awesome and powerful you really are. May we all be moved to tears when we dwell on these scriptures and your greatness. Amen!
May God bless you!
Thank you for attending The Path “Quick Church” in written form. The Path is our church “brand name,” connected with our recovery ministry, “Mission Addiction.” Please let me know what you think of this message. What spoke to you the most? Feel free to like, comment, and share. You can also contact us to go into more detail and deepen your personal faith walk. We have a new healing and discipleship series starting in September!