Human beings have long pondered the question, “Who am I?” We seek to understand how we relate to others, often basing our identity and value on what we do or how others perceive us.
In Exodus 3, Moses had an identity crisis that many can relate to. God appeared to Moses and told him He would be the one to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Moses was like, “Um, say what?”
Moses Asked God “Who Am I?”
“But Moses protested to God, ‘Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11, NLT).
Moses was probably the most qualified to appear before Pharaoh. He grew up in the Egyptian palace. He knew the customs. He knew the people. And yet, he questioned his identity and asked God, “Who am I to do these things?”
In the middle of Moses’ identity crisis, God revealed Himself as the I AM and spoke His own name. Click To TweetGod didn’t answer by saying who Moses was. Instead, He told Moses, “I will be with you.” Still fixated on identity, Moses asked, “Well, what should I tell the Israelites when they ask what Your name is?” That’s when God revealed His identity.
“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). By saying “I am,” God pronounced His infinite and limitless nature. He isn’t bound by time, laws, imagination, or rules. He just is, and He always will be. A little later, God revealed His name: Yahweh (Jehovah). “This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations” (Exodus 3:15, NLT).
God never explicitly said who Moses was. In the middle of Moses’ identity crisis, God revealed Himself as the I AM and spoke His own name. He linked Moses to Himself in verse 14, so people would know the I am was with Moses on his mission. In comparison, Moses’ worth was insignificant.
Who am I?
All too often, we doubt our ability to do what God has called us to do. We know our weaknesses and personality flaws, and we assume those will limit what we can accomplish. Just like Moses, we ask, “Who am I to do that, God?”
But here’s the thing: God knows about those flaws and weaknesses, and yet He is greater. Our shortcomings don’t limit Him. He doesn’t define us based on our job titles, ministries, talents, gifts, or what we do for others. He sees us as His children who can make a difference in the world.
______
Jen English writes for More to Life.