Occasionally,
someone says something just plain appalling. You catch your breath. You gape
momentarily in astonishment. You probably don’t pick up stones to throw,
although it’s possible you begin firing mental missiles: How dare he! What was she thinking! That’s something like the Jews’
outraged reaction—including actual stones—when Jesus announced, “Before
Abraham came to be, I am.” Shocking!
Fortunately for us, two thousand years of revelation and
teaching have given us an edge in understanding Jesus’ claim. So who is this “I
am”?
I am your
shepherd. I lead you
and direct you in the way you should go. I provide for you along the way: rest
and restoration, wisdom and understanding, goodness and mercy. I am your
strength, both the strength of your life and the One who strengthens you when
you feel weak. I deliver you from the bonds of sin, foolishness, and
hopelessness. I heal your illnesses, addictions, rage, and bitterness. I have
redeemed you, and you are mine. I have saved you, and daily I make you holy and
fruitful.
I am love. I love you. I know you better than you know
yourself, and still I love you. I am present everywhere you are, with you in
your suffering, fear, and loneliness; in your joy, successes, and celebrations.
I hear every prayer and every word you whisper.
I am your
righteousness. What you
could never earn or deserve—an intimate, ever-deepening relationship with me—I
have made possible for you. And when your sin injures or breaks that
relationship, I am still your righteousness, the way of reparation and
restoration.
I am the
almighty God, everlasting Father, the One who was and is and is to come. I,
the Most High God and sovereign Lord of all creation, come to you. I delight in
you. I delight in speaking to you and hearing from you. I confer my power and
authority on you. I fill you with my Holy Spirit, who gives you the energy to
do the things I call you to do. The whole universe cannot contain me, yet I am
dwelling in your heart.
I am Jesus, your
Redeemer and Brother.
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