In the Bible, the phrase “The Great I Am” is a powerful declaration of God’s eternal presence and authority. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, numerous verses highlight the divine nature of the Great I Am. In Exodus 3:14, God reveals His name to Moses, saying, **
“I Am Who I Am.”
** This declaration emphasizes God’s self-existence and sovereignty over all creation.
Throughout the Bible, the Great I Am is portrayed as the unchanging and eternal God who offers comfort and strength to His people. In John 8:58, Jesus proclaims, **
“before Abraham was born, I am!”
** This statement signifies Jesus’ divine nature and eternal existence as part of the Trinity. As believers, we find assurance in the presence of the Great I Am, knowing that His power and authority are limitless.
Unveiling the Identity of “The Great I Am” in the Bible
Throughout the Bible, God is referred to by many names that reflect His attributes and character. One of the most profound and powerful names used to describe God is “The Great I Am.” This name signifies God’s eternal existence, self-sufficiency, and sovereignty over all creation. Let’s explore some Bible stories and verses that unveil the identity of “The Great I Am.”
The Burning Bush
- God revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush, declaring, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14).
The Identity of Jesus
- Jesus used the phrase “I am” multiple times in the Gospel of John to reveal His divinity and connection to God.
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John 8:58
– Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
The Bread of Life
- Jesus proclaimed, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).
The Light of the World
- Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
The Good Shepherd
- Jesus revealed Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, stating, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
The Resurrection and the Life
- Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
- Jesus said to His disciples, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
| Identity | Verse |
|---|---|
| The Burning Bush | Exodus 3:14 |
| The Bread of Life | John 6:35 |
| The Light of the World | John 8:12 |
| The Good Shepherd | John 10:11 |
| The Resurrection and the Life | John 11:25 |
| The Way, the Truth, and the Life | John 14:6 |
Exploring the Power and Authority of “The Great I Am”
The concept of “The Great I Am” refers to the powerful and authoritative nature of God as described in the Bible. Throughout the scriptures, various stories and verses highlight the undeniable power and authority of the Almighty.
The Power of “The Great I Am”
– In the book of Genesis, God creates the heavens and the earth simply by speaking them into existence. This demonstrates His ultimate power over all creation.
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
– Another powerful display of God’s authority is seen in the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. When Pharaoh questions Moses about who sent him, God responds with “I Am who I Am” (Exodus 3:14), asserting His absolute authority and existence.
Exodus 3:14
“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.'”
– The story of Jesus calming the storm in the New Testament also showcases the power of “The Great I Am.” With just a word, Jesus commands the winds and the waves to be still, displaying His authority over nature.
Mark 4:39
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”
– The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is a profound example of the power of God. By conquering death, Jesus demonstrates His authority over life itself.
1 Corinthians 15:56-57
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Authority of “The Great I Am”
– God’s authority is displayed throughout the Bible, especially in the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments set the standard for moral and ethical behavior, illustrating God’s supreme authority over His people.
Exodus 20:1-17
“And God spoke all these words: ‘I am the Lord your God…'”
– Jesus also asserts His authority during His earthly ministry, teaching with power and performing miracles to demonstrate His divinity.
Matthew 28:18
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'”
– In the book of Revelation, John sees a vision of Jesus with eyes like flames of fire, symbolizing His divine authority and judgment over the world.
Revelation 1:14
“The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.”
– As believers, we are called to submit to the authority of “The Great I Am” in all areas of our lives, trusting in His power and wisdom.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
– Ultimately, the power and authority of “The Great I Am” are eternal and unchanging, giving us hope and assurance in the midst of life’s challenges.
Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Finding Comfort and Strength in the Presence of “The Great I Am”
The presence of “The Great I Am” brings comfort and strength to those who believe in Him. Throughout the Bible, we see stories of how God’s presence provided solace and empowerment to His people in times of trouble. Here are some examples of :
1. Drawing Strength from God’s Presence
One such story is found in the book of Exodus when Moses encountered God at the burning bush. In Exodus 3:14, God reveals His name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM.” This encounter gave Moses the strength and courage he needed to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
2. Finding Comfort in God’s Promises
In Psalm 23, David expresses his trust in God’s presence, saying, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4). This passage reminds us that God’s presence brings comfort and protection in times of darkness.
3. Seeking Refuge in the Shelter of God’s Wings
In Psalm 91:1-2, the psalmist proclaims, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” This imagery of God as a shelter and refuge provides great comfort to those who are in need of His protection.
4. Strength in Weakness through Christ
In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, the apostle Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” This passage reminds us that in our weaknesses, God’s strength is made perfect.
5. Finding Peace in God’s Presence
In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This promise of peace in the midst of turmoil is a source of comfort and strength for all who believe in Him.
In conclusion, as we draw near to “The Great I Am”, we can find comfort, strength, and peace in His presence. Through the stories and verses in the Bible, we are reminded of the unwavering love and protection that God offers to His people. May we always seek refuge in Him and find solace in His mighty presence.
Connecting with the Eternal and Unchanging Nature of “The Great I Am
Throughout history, humanity has sought to understand the nature of the divine being known as “The Great I Am.” By exploring various Bible stories and verses, we can connect with the eternal and unchanging nature of this powerful entity.
1. The Burning Bush – Exodus 3:14
In the book of Exodus, we learn about the story of Moses encountering a burning bush that was not consumed by the flames. When Moses asked for the name of the divine being speaking to him, the response was, “I Am who I Am.” This powerful statement reveals the eternal and unchanging nature of God, known as “The Great I Am.”
2. God’s Promises – Hebrews 6:17-18
God’s promises are sure and unchanging, reflecting His eternal nature. In Hebrews, we are assured that God cannot lie, and His promises are like an anchor for our souls. This serves as a reminder of the faithfulness and constancy of “The Great I Am.”
3. The Alpha and Omega – Revelation 22:13
In the book of Revelation, we see God described as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. This depiction emphasizes God’s eternal nature and ultimate authority over all things. By connecting with this aspect of God, we can find strength and stability in the ever-changing world around us.
4. God’s Love – Romans 8:38-39
The love of God is unchanging and eternal, surpassing all understanding. In Romans, we are reminded that nothing can separate us from the love of God, not even death or life. This steadfast love reflects the eternal and unwavering nature of “The Great I Am.”
5. God’s Faithfulness – Lamentations 3:22-23
Even in the midst of trials and tribulations, we can find hope in the faithfulness of God. In Lamentations, we are told that His mercies are new every morning, highlighting His eternal and unchanging nature. This serves as a source of comfort and assurance in challenging times.
By reflecting on these Bible stories and verses, we can deepen our understanding of the eternal and unchanging nature of “The Great I Am.” In a world full of change and uncertainty, connecting with this aspect of God can bring peace, strength, and hope to our lives.
In conclusion, the phrase “The Great I Am” in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate authority and sovereignty of God. Throughout the scriptures, this title is used to emphasize His unwavering presence, eternal nature, and unmatched power. As we reflect on the significance of this divine title, may we be inspired to trust in the One who is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Let us draw strength and comfort from the assurance that the Great I Am is with us always, guiding and protecting us through every season of life. May we walk in confidence, knowing that we serve a God who is truly worthy of all honor and praise.