John 8:58
“Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
In last week’s devotion entitled, “Our Provider,” I referred to a small rock with the word, “Provider” which for years sat on the kitchen window sill. We were going through a particularly hard time financially, paying the mortgage on the one house we lived in and another mortgage on a house we couldn’t sell and struggled to rent out. College payments for one daughter, and then the addition of our youngest, strained our budget even more, to the point that we analyzed each and every purchase to determine if it was truly a need. That little rock was a daily reminder for us to keep our eyes on Jehovah Jirah, our Provider, rather than on our depressing circumstances. It took seven lean years for the house to finally sell, but we were never forsaken by our Provider. Not once did we go hungry, or go without clothing or heat in winter. There have been times when I’ve pulled that little rock out of the drawer to display once again as a reminder of God’s great faithfulness in getting us through those hard times, and also to remind us to offer thanksgiving. It’s not just in lean times that He provides, but that in ALL times, God is our Provider.
The Bible has much to teach us about additional names for our Heavenly Father, besides “God” and “Lord.” Old Testament references in the original Hebrew and Aramaic translations offer deeper insights into His character. The account in Exodus 3:14, of Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush begins with a question—Moses asked God what His name was. God replied: “I AM that I AM…you must say this to the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent Me to you.’” In our verse for today, Jesus likewise stated that He Himself is God, when He declared: “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
Today’s devotion focuses on the Old Testament names and tomorrow’s will focus on the New Testament names. I would encourage you to spend some time looking up the OT passages that correspond to each name, receiving the truth revealed in each one, and offering thanksgiving to God for the name. The Holy Spirit may direct you to focus on one particular name that speaks to what you are going through right now. You might want to find a rock to write on or a card on which to print out that name, to place in a conspicuous spot as a daily reminder of God’s character. Then begin to pray the Name with thanksgiving—in your “going out and coming in” pray the Name! What wonderful comfort and encouragement comes when we are reminded and express our gratitude for the many ways the great “I AM” came to change our lives forever!
- *EL ROI ~ God Opens our Eyes: He is all-seeing. He also enables us, through His Holy Spirit, to see His truth. Genesis 16:13
- EL-OLAM ~ God is Everlasting: He is our Everlasting God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Genesis 21:33
- JEHOVAH JIRAH ~ Provider: He will provide for all your needs. Genesis 22:14
- ABHIR ~ Mighty One: He is the Mighty One who fights for us and protects us with His mighty hand. Genesis 49:24
- EL SHADDAI ~ Sufficiency: He will always be our Sufficiency to meet our spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. In Him we have all we need. Genesis 49:25
- JEHOVAH ROPHE ~ Healer: He is our Great Physician who makes us whole in body, mind, and spirit. Exodus 15:22-26
- JEHOVAH NISSI ~ Banner: we are His and He is fighting for us. Exodus 17:15
- KANNA ~ God is Jealous for us: He considers us His beloved, His precious bride, and desires our devotion. Exodus 20:5
- ZUR ~ God is our Rock:. He is the secure foundation upon which we can stand with full confidence and peace. Deuteronomy 32:18
- YAHMEH SHALOM ~ Peace: He is our Peace and is in control of all things. Judges 6:24
- MAGEN ~ Shield: He is our Shield who guards and defends us. Psalms 3:3 and 18:30
- YAHWEH ~ Redeemer: He is our Redeemer; He wipes out our past mistakes and makes all things new. Psalm 19:14
- EYALUTH ~ Strong Tower: He is our Strong Tower; we can always run to Him as our stronghold, our protector, defender, and source of safety. Psalm 22:19
- JEHOVAH ROHI ~ Shepherd: He is our Shepherd who tends to His flock, watches over us, and draws us back when we wander away. Psalm 23
- JEHOVAH TSIDKENU ~ Righteousness: He is our Righteousness. When we trust Him for our salvation, He declares us righteous! Jeremiah 23:5
Almighty God, we praise You and offer our thanksgiving for the many names that speak of Your incomparable majesty and glory. There is no one in heaven or on earth Who can claim any of the names attributed to You. Thank You for all the ways You reveal Yourself to us and we ask for Your blessing upon our lives as we turn to You, our one true God, the “Great I AM.” In Your Holy Name(s) we pray. Amen.
*Portions taken from Teacups Full of Treasures by Mary Grace Birkhead
