Lent: Day 5, the First Sunday in Lent

[dreamflower]

Today I thought this morning's devotional from The Upper Room was perfect:

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 (NIV)

Today's Devotional

In the Hebrew Bible, names represent hopes, dreams, and the characteristics of persons. For example, Jacob, after wrestling with an angel was given a new name, Israel, which means “the one who struggled with God.” Knowing the name of a person can give insight into the origin, nature, and the dreams of the person and his or her family.

That’s why Moses asked God this question: What is your name? Knowing God’s name could tell us many things about God!

God said, “I am who I am!” In some translations, God said, “I shall be who I shall be.” Both translations are possible because the Hebrew grammar allows for both (“to be” or “to become”). When God says “I am who I am,” God is actually refusing to be defined by one word. God is saying, “I am free. I am not defined. I am the Creator, not the created.” When God said, “I shall be who I shall be,” God was saying, “I am the one who causes things to be.” I am the Creator of history.

Though we may desire to define God more narrowly, knowing that God is “I am who I am” can give us more confidence in God. God is free, undefined, and is present in all aspects of our lives.

Sungho Lee (California, USA)

Thought for the Day:

How do my names for God limit my faith?

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the gift of creation and the limitless gift of your presence with us. Amen.

Prayer Focus: To be open to the mystery of God

Comments

[meneleth.livejournal.com]

Nice little article - thank you for sharing it.

[dreamflower]

Thank you! The Upper Room has been a fixture in my life for many years. These days it is delivered daily right to my inbox, so I never have any excuse to forget it or skip it.

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

Very thought provoking.

[dreamflower]

I thought so.

I truly regret that so many people try to put God into a little box defined by their own human opinions. He is so much more than we can ever imagine.