The enigmatic phrase “I AM THAT I AM” found in Exodus 3:14 serves as a cornerstone in the Christian faith, encapsulating the eternal nature of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Let’s unfold its significance by correlating it with biblical passages and presenting real-life illustrations for a more tangible understanding.

Consider a river, ever-flowing and continuous, never beginning, never-ending. Jesus’ eternal nature can be likened to such a river. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus made multiple declarations echoing the same eternality, such as “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). This pronouncement alone gives us a clear understanding of His timeless existence, akin to a river, which exists before and will continue to exist after we do.

Further evidence of Jesus’ pre-existence is provided by scriptures like Micah 5:2, which describes Him as one “…whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Additionally, in John 17:1-23, in His high priestly prayer, Jesus speaks of His glory with the Father before the world existed, another undeniable testimony of His pre-existence.

Throughout the Bible, Jesus is attributed different titles, each shedding light on a facet of His divine character. Imagine a gemstone with multiple facets—each reflecting a different light shade, yet part of the same stone. Similarly, when God the Father addresses Jesus as “my fellow” (Zechariah 13:7), or when He is referred to as the “angel of the Lord” (Exodus 23:21, Isaiah 63:9) or “Michael” (Daniel 10:13, Jude 9), each title reveals a distinct aspect of His divine persona.

The Bible further authenticates Jesus’ divine nature, comparing Him to an eternal life-giving spring (John 1:1-3, 1 John 5:20), the mighty God (Isaiah 9:6), and God over all (Romans 9:5). Thomas’s exclamation, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28), reflects the same recognition of His divine essence.

The phrase “I AM THAT I AM” holds profound implications. It signifies Jesus’ unchangeable nature. Just as the North Star remains fixed in our night sky, guiding lost travellers, Jesus remains constant and unchanging (Hebrews 13:8; Hebrews 1:10-12). His teachings, unlike shifting sand dunes, are unchangeable (Matthew 24:35), His power is eternal (Romans 1:20; Matthew 28:18), His love is enduring (John 13:1-3; Jeremiah 31:3), and His promises are like solid rock, reliable and steadfast (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Moreover, Jesus, as the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8; John 1:1-3; Acts 4:12), is the initiator and the consummator of creation and redemption. Consider an author who writes a story. Jesus, too, is the author and finisher of our faith journey. Consequently, each of us is presented with a life-altering decision: to accept Him as our personal Savior or reject Him.

As travellers on this spiritual journey, we must continually reassess our relationship with Jesus. Accepting Him and acknowledging that the “I AM THAT I AM” of the Bible is our Lord and Redeemer offers an indescribable sense of spiritual fulfilment. For those who have yet to make this significant decision, consider a man standing at a crossroads. One path leads to a life transformed by accepting Jesus as the “I AM THAT I AM”. The other leads to continued separation from Him. Making a choice to follow Him acknowledges His existence and means accepting His unchanging nature, His unfailing reliability, and His role as the Alpha and Omega. It is an invitation to step onto a path of spiritual transformation, marked by the ever-present guiding light of His love and wisdom. Similarly, making the daily choice to rededicate ourselves to His cause is like a potter tirelessly working and reworking the clay, constantly striving for perfection. We, too, should strive to emulate His characteristics in our thoughts, words, and actions.

In conclusion, the phrase “I AM THAT I AM” serves as a resounding testament to the eternally constant and reliable nature of Jesus Christ. It is a multifaceted gem that enriches our theological understandings and guides our personal spiritual decisions. This phrase beckons us to continually recognise and honour the eternal nature of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Redeemer, and our Saviour, in all His glory. The decision to accept Him as the “I AM THAT I AM” is deeply personal, with profound, everlasting implications.

As you continue on your life’s journey, take a moment to ponder: Have you made that decision? Have you accepted the “I AM THAT I AM” as your personal Saviour and guide? Remember, it is not just a decision; it’s an invitation to an eternal relationship with the Unchangeable One.