HAPPY MONDAY!
A vivid contrast inspires today’s word-of-the-week…
I AM
(Okay, it’s two words, but it’s also God’s name so it counts.)
Has anyone (maybe you) ever said, “Hey, that’s just who I am”?
In Exodus 3, Moses asks God for some ID. In response, God essentially says His identity is self-evident.
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.’” (Exodus 3:14)
“I AM” is quite a claim. Among other things, it implies permanence, existence beyond circumstance, independence, and completeness. “I AM” sounds like a riddle, but in fact it’s God’s way of setting Himself apart. “I AM” is a name and a description appropriate only for God.
Several decades ago, a famous cartoon character offered a similar claim in his theme song:
I’m Popeye the Sailor Man, I’m Popeye the Sailor Man, I yam what’s I yam, And that’s all what’s I am, I’m Popeye the Sailor Man
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GmUj0cucfc
Popeye’s bold declaration, “I yam what I yam,” reflects the tough, independent American spirit. This is who I am—take it or leave it.
You see the conflict, right?
“I am who I am” is God’s line. He’s the only one who gets to claim permanent, self-evident, independent identity.
It’s Monday. Maybe we should let God be I AM. Let’s let go of “that’s just who I am” and ask “who can I become to serve the people around me?”
Have a great week.
Please leave a comment here.
Want to receive free updates?
Click below to get Bouncing Back
delivered directly to your inbox.
