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Exodus 3:14-15

“God said to Moses, “I am that I am.”  And he said, “You must say this to the Israelites, ‘I am has sent me to you.  15 God also said to Moses, “You must say this to the Israelites, ‘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 this is my memorial from generation to generation.'”

Exodus 4:5

“This,” said the LORD, “is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers–the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob–has appeared to you.”

I love to contemplate the names of God throughout the Bible.  He is our Shepherd, tenderly caring for us, our Messiah, laying down his life for us.  He IS.

There are so many gods in this world; some named after prophets, some named after objects of nature or in reference to pagan rituals, and some not named at all, as the worshipers themselves are unaware of their own idolatry.  But there is only one God Who named Himself in reference to His people.

He is the God “of” Abraham, the God “of” Isaac, the God “of” Jacob.  He is the God “of” those who would choose to accept His free gift of salvation.  He chose to be associated with us.  “Of” speaks of relationship – He wants to be known by His creation.  “Of” denotes a sense of belonging, a commitment.  He is Holy and we are unholy, but He wants to be a God nearby.  Though he is so far above us, He gives us understanding by naming Himself by ourselves.

He is faithful, He is merciful, He longs for us and draws us to Himself.  He wants us to know Him.  False gods in man’s imagination could never have such a motivation.  I am amazed that our God would humble Himself and lavish His love on us in such a way.

Lord, You are the Eternal God, the “I AM”, and yet You choose to name Yourself by Your relationship with us.  Thank You, God, for bringing us to Yourself.  May we never take that relationship for granted and be the children “of” the living God who are ever seeking You.