“I AM”
Anita Clark, PastorGrace Chapel, Carbondale
“I am the Root and Offspring of David, the bright and morning star.”Revelation 22:16. “I AM” is the title of the Lord Jesus Christ.
God send Moses to speak to Pharaoh concerning the Children of Israel, who were slaves in Egypt, and needed a deliverance. The words “I am” literally means “The Self existent One.” In Exodus 3:10-14 God spoke to Moses, out in the desert where he was guarding sheep. Vs. 13 says, “And Moses said unto God, Behold when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? What shall I say to them? And God said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”
In Exodus 6:2-3, God spoke to Moses and said, “I am the LORD. And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.” God told Moses to go and tell the Israelites these words, but when Moses gave the full message to them about how God was going to rescue them, verse 9 says “And Moses spake unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses, for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.” Later, Moses was able to take them out of Egypt.
In the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) Jesus spoke many times “with many titles.” He said, “I am the Bread of life,” “I am the Light of the world,” “I am the door,” “I am the good Shepherd,” I am the Son of God,” I am the Resurrection and the Life,” “I am the True Vine.” Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:5-7 declares the “Seven fold humbling of Christ Jesus.” “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal God; But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” In Luke 24:44 Jesus spoke to the disciples after his resurrection, “And He said unto them, these are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me.”
In the book of Revelation Jesus is spoken of as the “I Am.” The first time is recorded in Revelation 1:8. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord, which is, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Apostle Paul states in Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame; and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
In Revelation 1:18 Jesus says, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” In Revelation 2:23, Jesus says, “I am He that searcheth the hearts. I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” The book of Hebrews 4:12-13 says, For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
In Revelation 21:4-6 speaks to us about the time to come after the Millennial Reign of Christ, of 1,000 years, “And God shall wipe away all the tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat on the throne said, Behold I make all things new... It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, I will give unto him that is athrist of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” What precious promises!
Revelation 22:16 gives us Jesus’ last words in the book of Revelation. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things to the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star.” The word “bright” means “radiant, clear, and gorgeous” and the words “Morning Star” speaks of the brightness and brilliance of Jesus as He comes and takes His dear people home to heaven to dwell for eternity with Him.
