Encountering the Eternal: Understanding God's Name 'I AM'

Devotional

Day 1: God Reveals Himself as "I Am Who I Am"

God’s foundational revelation to Moses at the burning bush is that He is “I Am Who I Am”—the self-existent, eternal One whose being is not dependent on anything or anyone. This name, Yahweh, is God’s eternal name to be remembered for all generations, and it marks the beginning of a relationship with a God who is utterly unique, uncreated, and beyond all human categories. In a world where everything else is created and contingent, God alone simply is, and this truth shapes the way we approach Him, trust Him, and understand our own existence. [10:22]

Exodus 3:13-15 (ESV)
Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.”

Reflection: When you think about God’s name “I Am Who I Am,” how does it change the way you see your own limitations and needs today?

Day 2: God Is Eternal, Unchanging, and Faithful

The name “I Am Who I Am” reveals not only God’s self-existence but also His unchanging nature and faithfulness across generations. The God who was with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the same God who is with us today—utterly dependable, never shifting with the tides of history or the changes in our lives. In times of uncertainty or transition, we can anchor ourselves in the truth that God remains steadfast, and His promises endure, no matter what else may change around us. [17:17]

Malachi 3:6 (ESV)
“For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to remember that God is unchanging and faithful, especially in the midst of change?

Day 3: Jesus Is the Full Revelation of "I Am"

Jesus deliberately echoes the divine name “I Am” in the Gospels, making it clear that He is the same God who spoke to Moses from the burning bush. In John 8:58, Jesus says, “Before Abraham was born, I am,” claiming not just pre-existence but full divinity. This means that the eternal, self-existent God is made known to us personally in Jesus Christ, and we can relate to Him not as a distant abstraction but as the One who walks with us, saves us, and calls us by name. [20:06]

John 8:58 (ESV)
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is the “I Am” affect the way you approach Him in prayer and daily life?

Day 4: God’s Presence Holds Us Steady in Life’s Storms

In the midst of life’s storms and constant change, God’s declaration “I Am Who I Am” is a promise of His steady presence and sufficiency. When we feel uncertain, inadequate, or alone, God reminds us that He is with us, He is enough, and He is faithful. Rather than letting our circumstances define our view of God, we are invited to let God’s unchanging character define how we see and respond to our circumstances, finding peace and stability in Him. [27:22]

Isaiah 43:1-2 (ESV)
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

Reflection: What is one storm or change you are facing right now, and how can you invite God’s “I Am” presence to hold you steady in it today?

Day 5: Cultivating Curiosity and Openness to God’s Revelation

Moses’ willingness to turn aside and investigate the burning bush was an act of curiosity that opened the door to a life-changing encounter with God. Remaining curious—open to God’s movement, asking questions, and seeking deeper understanding—keeps our faith vibrant and allows us to experience God in new ways, no matter our age or stage of life. God is not afraid of our questions or doubts; He invites us to draw near, explore, and discover more of who He is. [08:01]

Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

Reflection: What is one question or area of curiosity about God or faith that you can intentionally explore or bring to God this week?

Sermon Summary

Today begins a journey into the names of God, focusing on how knowing God’s name is not just about information, but about transformation. The Christian life is shaped by three dimensions: our relationship with God (“up”), our relationship with one another (“in”), and our relationship with the world (“out”). In this season, the focus is on the “up”—deepening our understanding of who God is, starting with the foundational name revealed in Exodus 3: “I AM WHO I AM.”

Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush is a story of curiosity and calling. At 80 years old, Moses’ life seemed settled, but his willingness to investigate the burning bush opened the door to a life-changing encounter. This moment reminds us to remain curious and open to God’s interruptions, no matter our age or stage in life. God’s self-revelation as “I AM” (Yahweh) is profound: He is eternal, self-existent, and uncreated. No one gave God His name; He simply is. This truth is foundational for faith, as it means God is not dependent on anything or anyone—He is utterly free and complete.

God’s name also reveals His unchanging faithfulness. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the same God who calls each of us by name today. In a world of constant change, God’s constancy is an anchor. This eternal, unchanging God is not distant or abstract; He is made personal in Jesus. In the Gospel of John, Jesus echoes the divine name with His “I am” statements, culminating in His declaration, “Before Abraham was born, I am.” Jesus is the embodiment of Yahweh, making the eternal God accessible and knowable.

This revelation challenges us to relate to God not only as Savior but as Lord—the One who was, is, and will be. In times of uncertainty, transition, or storm, God’s “I AM” assures us of His presence, sufficiency, and faithfulness. The invitation is to define our circumstances by who God is, rather than defining God by our circumstances. As we begin this series, the call is to let the truth of God’s name shape our identity, our faith, and our response to life’s changes.

Key Takeaways

1. Curiosity is a doorway to encounter. Moses’ willingness to investigate the burning bush, even at 80 years old, shows that spiritual curiosity keeps us open to God’s new invitations. Remaining curious, rather than settling into spiritual complacency, positions us to hear God’s call and experience His presence in unexpected ways. [08:01]
2. God’s name, “I AM WHO I AM,” reveals His eternal, self-existent nature. Unlike anything in creation, God is uncreated, uncaused, and independent. This means our faith rests on a foundation that cannot be shaken by time, circumstance, or human limitation—God simply is, and always will be. [13:58]
3. The unchanging faithfulness of God is a source of stability in a world of constant change. The God who was faithful to Abraham, Moses, and David is the same God who is faithful to us today. Our identity and security are rooted not in shifting circumstances, but in the steadfast character of Yahweh. [17:17]
4. The revelation of God’s name finds its fullness in Jesus. Jesus’ “I am” statements in John’s Gospel are not just metaphors; they are claims to divinity, connecting Him directly to the God of Exodus. In Jesus, the eternal God becomes personal, relational, and accessible, inviting us into a living relationship with Him. [20:06]
5. In times of transition, uncertainty, or storm, God’s “I AM” is a promise of His presence and sufficiency. Rather than letting our circumstances define our view of God, we are called to let God’s unchanging nature define how we see our circumstances. This shift brings peace, courage, and hope, no matter what we face. [26:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:17] - The Three Dimensions of Discipleship
[03:42] - What We Think About God Shapes Us
[04:30] - Moses’ Story: From Prince to Shepherd
[05:34] - The Burning Bush and the Power of Curiosity
[08:01] - Giving Space for Questions and Curiosity
[09:51] - Moses’ Objections and God’s Call
[10:22] - God Reveals His Name: “I AM WHO I AM”
[12:42] - Yahweh, Jehovah, and the Meaning of God’s Name
[13:58] - God’s Eternal, Self-Existent Nature
[14:45] - God’s Unchanging Faithfulness Through Generations
[17:17] - Relating to the Eternal God
[18:21] - Jesus’ “I Am” Statements in John
[19:16] - Jesus as the Embodiment of Yahweh
[20:06] - The Divine Authority of Jesus
[21:24] - The Foundation for Relating to God
[22:24] - Jesus: Savior and Lord
[25:19] - God’s Constancy in a Changing World
[26:30] - Defining Circumstances by Who God Is
[28:51] - Stormy Seas and the Steadfastness of “I AM”

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Exodus 3:1–15 (ESV) — > 1 Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
> 2 And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.
> 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.”
> 4 When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”
> 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”
> 6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
> 7 Then the LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings,
> 8 and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
> 9 And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them.
> 10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”
> 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
> 12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
> 13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”
> 14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
> 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.”

John 8:58 (ESV) — > Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

Observation Questions

What was Moses doing when he encountered the burning bush, and how did he respond to what he saw? (Exodus 3:1–3)
What question did Moses ask God about His name, and how did God answer? (Exodus 3:13–14)
According to the sermon, what does the name “I AM WHO I AM” reveal about God’s nature? [13:58]
In John 8:58, what claim does Jesus make about Himself, and why was this significant to His listeners? [19:16]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God chose to reveal Himself to Moses through a burning bush that was not consumed? What might this say about God’s character or how He gets our attention? [05:34]
The sermon says that God’s name “I AM WHO I AM” means He is eternal and self-existent. How does this set God apart from everything else in creation? [13:58]
The pastor mentioned that God’s faithfulness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the same faithfulness He offers us today. What does this mean for how we view God’s promises in our own lives? [17:17]
When Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I am,” how does this connect Him to the God who spoke to Moses? Why is this important for understanding who Jesus is? [19:16]

Application Questions

Moses was 80 years old and still curious enough to investigate the burning bush. In what areas of your life do you need to stay spiritually curious instead of settling into routine or complacency? [08:01]
The sermon challenged us to give space for questions and curiosity, both for ourselves and others. How can you create more space in your life or relationships for honest questions about faith? [08:01]
God’s name means He is unchanging and dependable, even when everything else is shifting. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to remember God’s constancy? How could this truth change your perspective or response? [26:30]
The pastor said, “Don’t define God by your circumstances, but define your circumstances by who God is.” What would it look like for you to do this in a current challenge or transition? [26:30]
Jesus makes God personal and accessible. How does knowing that Jesus is the “I AM” affect the way you relate to Him in prayer or daily life? [20:06]
When you think about God’s statement “I AM,” what do you most need to hear from God right now? (For example: “I am with you,” “I am enough,” “I am faithful.”) [27:22]
The sermon mentioned that in times of storm or uncertainty, God’s “I AM” holds us steady. Can you share a time when you experienced God’s steadiness in a difficult season? How did it impact you? [28:51]

Sermon Clips

So, as we've already sort of indicated this morning, we're starting a new teaching series. It's around the whole issue about the names of God. And we were again praying about this recently as a leadership team and just trying to sort of get a sense from God. And as you might know, if you journey with us as a church, we have this pattern of discipleship as a church, which is centered around a simple triangle. It recognizes that our Christian life has three dimensions to it. It has an up dimension, which is how we relate to God and the things that we need to build into our lives to help us get to know God better. So, one of the activities that we do to help us get to know God better is we read the Bible. Quite simple, but it's really profound when we do it on a regular basis. [00:00:10] (63 seconds) #NamesOfGodTeachings

What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. And it's that I want us to begin to unpack and process over the coming weeks, is to think about the names of God. Because I think what we believe about God shapes who we become. [00:03:44] (30 seconds) #BeliefsShapeIdentity

So don't ever think you're too old for God to use you. He's 80 years of age at this moment and he's done nothing in that sense of what God has called him to do. [00:05:40] (16 seconds) #NeverTooOldToServe

So to know the name of God is what Moses was asking God for he knew that if he was going to go back and talk to Pharaoh and talk to the Israelites he needed to know his name now as you'll understand that when this was written when this was happening it wasn't happening in English even though we think English is spoken all over the world and it wasn't happening in English and what's quite difficult in the way that we translate these words is to try and find the right translation for this phrase that God comes out with that in the translation I read from this morning it came out with this phrase I am who I am that's one of the the best ways that the English can translate it. [00:11:38] (54 seconds) #IAmWhoIAm

Well, what's really interesting for me is that it becomes all personalized in and through the person of Jesus. So if you look at Jesus' life, Jesus, particularly in John's Gospel, we have this sense where John gives us the understanding and the record of how I think Jesus deliberately echoes Exodus 3 .14 in the way that he teaches about himself. So throughout the book of John, we have what are called the I Am Statements. So Jesus says in John 6 .35, I am the bread of life. John 8 .12, I am the light of the world. John 10 .11, I am the good shepherd. John 11 .25, I am the resurrection and the life. John 14 .6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 15 .5, I am the true vine. I think what Jesus is showing us in this teaching about God is that it's not just about God, but he's actually saying, I am this God. [00:17:48] (78 seconds) #PersonalRelationshipWithJesus

I am this revelation of Yahweh in the person of Jesus. And this all comes together in a particular dialogue that Jesus has with the rabbi and the teachers at the time in John chapter 8. If you want to go there sometime, but look at it. John chapter 8 verse 58. Jesus makes this statement which would have been so profound and so heretical to the people listening to them that we don't really get it. Because he says this, he says, Before Abraham was born, I am. Before Abraham was born, I am. Jesus says that, John 8 verse 58. Jesus isn't just saying he existed before Abraham. I think he is claiming to be Yahweh himself in that moment. The eternal God who has no beginning and has no end in that moment, in that person, in that revelation is revealed to us in Jesus Christ. That is who Jesus is. The revelation of Yahweh. The I am of Exodus is the I am of the Gospels. [00:19:08] (89 seconds) #FoundationalRevelation

The burning bush is the same God who walked the streets of Galilee. And I am of the Exodus. and Nazareth and Jerusalem in the person of Jesus. So for me, that means the way that I can relate to this God who is all eternal, self -existent, is I can relate to him in the person of Jesus. I have that personal relationship with Jesus. [00:20:38] (31 seconds) #DivineAuthorityRevealed

So this is the primary, again, it's hard for us to understand this because this is like right at the beginning. So Exodus 3 is right at the beginning of the story. And so in this moment, God reveals himself as Yahweh, I am who I am. And that begins to set the foundation then for the way that the Israelites begin to relate to God. And we'll see over the coming weeks that other names are given to God. God reveals himself in the way that his character is by the names that he has. But this name, Yahweh, I am who I am is like the foundational revelation. [00:21:12] (45 seconds) #JesusSaviorAndLord

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