This is part 1 of an 8-part series. View the entire series here.
God replied to Moses, “I am who i am. Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me to you.” – Exodus 3:14 NLT
Who am I?
The question of our inherent identity––who we are at our core––has filled the minds of philosophers, theologians, and everyday thinkers for centuries. At the most simplistic level, we are humans, biological, sentient beings. While the question of who we are may be answered by this foundation reality, who am I is a personal question with answers as nuanced and varied as we are.
We may associate who we are with those around us: I am part of my family––a husband, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister; I am part of this community or hobby––an athlete, musician, dancer.
And even still, we might be prone to define ourselves by what we do––I am a painter, teacher, poet, mechanic, architect, lawyer…ad infinitum.
But what happens when any of those variables change? We would argue we change along with them. This kind of identity is a responsive identity, daring to say that who we are intrinsically can be easily influenced by external forces or circumstances.
Yet when we consider God’s identity (the One who gives us our identity), we find quite the opposite nature. When Moses stands before God appearing as the burning bush, he asks God what His name is. God’s response is simple, yet profound:
“I AM WHO I AM.”
A more literal translation would read: “I will be Who I will be.”
Notice that God does not declare He will be what His circumstances dictate. His identity doesn’t respond to what is added or subtracted from His existence. His identity––who He is––is self-defined and self-governed.
That is not to say God’s nature changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Looking at these two verses in parallel helps us to understand how God, from His all-sufficient nature, responds to the present circumstances in the most meaningful way. But His identity is established and does not waver. Just as an individual can be a son/daugther, uncle/aunt, father/mother, or friend all at once, they show up in the way that is most applicable to the situation.
So, too, does God meet with us in this manner. He will be who He will be as the time calls for. But who He is at all times will always be the One True God, perfect in all of His ways.
