God’s Excellent Name

By Peter Crause

Exodus 3:14 And God said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, you will say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.

The Lord’s progressive self revelation to mankind is a revelation of His Person – history is nothing less than “His Story.” Apart from the Lord there is nothing worth knowing. History, science, politics, the future, the law – none are of any value unless we know, experience and interact with the Lord – the Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end; the source of all truth. Knowledge of all the above fields “puffs up” – yields pride and exalts the flesh; but knowledge of the Lord brings humility and worshipful awe to our lives as we gaze upon the King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords.

Moses had been tending his father-in-law’s sheep in the wilderness for almost forty years by now. I suppose he had lost all hope of ever returning to Egypt and delivering his people from slavery. He had once tried in his own strength and failed miserably. Now he was broken, humble and meek – ready for use by the Master. God doesn’t need us to do His work; but He has chosen to use us. An incredible sight drew the attention of Moses. I’m sure he’d seen many bushes burning in the desert before – but this one was different. The bush wasn’t consumed, and Moses instinctively knew it was miraculous – things like this don’t happen. As he approached the bush, the Lord spoke to him; told him to remove his shoes since the ground was Holy; and gave him his commission to go and deliver Israel from Egypt.

Names in scripture have great significance and meaning. The various names the Lord has used to reveal Himself are thus very significant. At this event, His revelation was that He was and is the eternal, Self-Existent-One. No beginning and no ending. He is now what He ever was and will be. He doesn’t indicate what He was or will be; but what He is – right there and then.

“I AM” is an open-ended statement. If we heard such a statement we would expect another to state what the person is – right? Herein lies the beauty of this Name of the Lord – He is right now whatever it is we need or desire! In later years God would reveal His many names relevant to specific needs of His people; needs such as peace, holiness, provision, healing and all their other needs.

Centuries later, God revealed himself as provision for man’s greatest need; the need that is and was the cause of all other needs! Jesus means “Jehovah Savior”; He came to deliver us from sin and spiritual death. On one occasion Jesus made a startling statement that caused the Jewish leaders of the day to want Him dead – immediately! Notice what Jesus said:

John 8:24 I said therefore to you, that you will die in your sins: for if you don’t believe that I am, you will die in your sins.

John 8:58 - 59 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

Then said the Jews to him; “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham? “

Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.

Then they picked up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

The Jewish leaders understood clearly what Jesus was saying – He was claiming to be the very I am that Moses met in the wilderness. He was claiming to be their God – but they were so spiritually blinded that all they saw was the man – not realizing that “in Him dwells all the fullness of God in bodily form!” Their God was among them; veiled in human flesh – the most unique person who ever lived – and they missed it! Don’t rely on so-called church leaders today for your own personal revelation of God in Christ Jesus – discover it for yourself.

Humankind is no different today than they were 2000 years ago. They see and acknowledge Jesus as a good, moral teacher; who failed in His attempt to overthrow the Roman overlords of the time; but left us some good principles to live by. If all would honestly examine what they say, then they must acknowledge that “good, moral” men do not lie! Jesus made statements that if rejected would actually make Him either a liar or a madman in our eyes. We cannot and dare not be selective in accepting what Jesus said; we either reject all or accept all. There is no middle ground!

Jesus is the everlasting and eternal God of creation. He alone is the I Am; he alone demands our absolute surrender and allegiance. God walked the dusty roads of this world. He sought and touched the needy – revealing His Excellent Name as equal to man’s need in body and soul.

Have you understood His claims yet? Have you found Him equal to your every need? Have you acknowledged Him as your Lord and God? Is He merely an example you wish to follow – and fail miserably in your attempts – or have you made Him your source and supply for every need? Unless He becomes the “I Am” in your life you have no access to God or to His provisions and presence.

A song from my past is in order here:

All Glory to Jesus; Begotten of God;

The Great I AM is He;

Creator; sustainer; but wonder of all;

The Lamb of Calvary.

To think that the guardian of planets in space;

The Shepherd of the stars;

Is tenderly leading the Church of His love;

By hands with crimson scars.

The King of all Kings; and the Lord of all Lords;

He reigns in glory now!

Someday He is coming; all kingdoms to claim;

And every knee shall bow!

Have you bowed your knees to this “Great I Am” yet? Do it today in worshipful awe. He’s worthy of all you have and can offer.

What a lovely Name – the Name of Jesus!