Creator

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Creator

Eternal     Presence

Source     Unchanging     Redeeming

I Am Who Am

All

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture: Exodus 3: 2b, 5, 9-10, 13-14

As Moses looked at the bush, he was shocked to see that it was not destroyed though it was on fire.

God told Moses to remove the sandals from his feet because the ground he was standing on was holy ground.

God said, "I have heard the cry of my people. I have seen that the Egyptians are oppressing them. I will send you, Moses, to lead the people out of Egypt."

Moses responded to God and said, "When the people ask me who is sending me and what is the name of this person, what should I say?"

God said, "I am who am. Tell them I Am sent me to you."

Reflection

This passage from the Book of Exodus describes an amazing encounter that Moses has with God. As he is tending his sheep and minding his own business, God gets his attention very suddenly.

I think all of us would wonder about a burning bush that does not seem to be effected at all by the fire. We would find that strange and investigate it further.

When Moses does that and comes closer to see what is actually happening, he encounters the voice of God. I can only imagine how shaken he must have been.

Was he really hearing the voice of God?

Was this a delusion?

Was he having a bad day?

Was he suffering from a lack of sleep?

There is something about this voice, however, that strikes a deep chord within Moses. He realizes that this is a special encounter.

He is even more surprised and very reluctant when God combines this experience of the burning bush that is not destroyed with a special mission for Moses.

It was certainly a mission that Moses wanted no part of because it would force him to go back to Egypt where he was wanted for murder. It was the last place where Moses wanted to go.

To try to avoid this difficult and dangerous mission, Moses asks God a question. He is probably thinking that God will never tell him the name of God. This will be a clever way to avoid going back to Egypt.

God does not hesitate. God reveals the sacred name.

I Am.

A name so sacred that our Jewish brothers and sisters will not utter it. Instead they will use the name Lord.

This sacred name reveals that God is the Eternal Present. God has no beginning. God has no end.

Our Creator God is always with us and invites us into relationship---an intimate companionship.

God reassures Moses that he will never be alone. God will always travel with him and guide him as he confronts the Pharaoh and leads the people out of Egypt.

I Am journeys with him always. The Source of life embraces him.

And us!

1. How can we be sure that we are encountering the voice of God?

2. What does the name of God mean to you?

3. How do you feel the presence of God in your life?

4. What does Kathy's photo say to you?